Get Organized HQ 2021

2021
C H E AT S H E ETS & NOT E S PAGE S

Make Craft Space Most Efficient
abbi kirsten
SN APSH OT: ACT IO N ST EPS:

Abbi takes us on a tour of her craft room 01. Think about your wall space and how
giving us tips on keeping our space to best use it for storage. Pegboards
clutterfree so we can craft more efficiently and shelves are great because they keep
no matter the size of our space. everything off of your desk.
QUI CK TI P: 02. Use magazine holders to store paper.

Not only should your space be organized, It allows you to see all the colors you have
it should also be visually appealing and and they hold a lot of paper.
inspirational to you.
03. Craft spaces can feel cluttered
WHAT ABBI H AS TO SAY: because we often have acquired a lot of
“Even once I got into my bigger craft space, little items that need a home. Consider
I had all this extra room, but I still felt so apothecary jars or other clear jars to corral
disorganized. It wasn’t really a question those small items.
of needing more space, but it was also a
question of I need to make sure that I’m 04. Hang Cricut or other cutting mats on
staying organized.” ~Abbi Kirsten the wall with Command Hooks to utilize
wall space.
TAK EAWAYS:
01. Clear containers allow you to see what 05. Repurpose furniture you already have,
is stored inside so you can find what you such as an old dresser, to store materials
need quickly. and supplies.
02. Colorful photo boxes are great storage

for glitter, paint, and other craft supplies.
03. Rolling carts work well for small spaces

since you can roll them out of the way when
not in use.
04. Binders with zipper pouches are

perfect for storing scraps of paper, vinyl, or
fabric.
GET ORGANIZED HQ 2021 PAGE 1

C O PYR IG HT 2021 GOHQ GE TO RGAN I ZE D HQ.COM
Make Craft Space Most Efficient
abbi kirsten
N OT ES

Three Smart Systems
abby lawson

Abby gives us some ideas of systems that 01. Decide what your sticking points are.
may be helpful to implement in your home Is it lack of time? The result isn’t worth the
for food, laundry, and cleaning. time spent? Is it just not enjoyable?
QUI CK TI P: 02. What are you willing to let go? For

Sometimes when we think we don’t have example, complicated meals, hours looking
the time, it’s actually that we don’t have a for recipes, or clothing we no longer wear.
system in place.
03. Make a plan you can stick to. Save time
WHAT ABBY H AS TO SAY: and decide once. For food, use a meal plan
“Creating systems and routines is one of or have themed nights for dinner. Maybe
the ways that I have helped to keep my you prefer to do laundry all in one day rather
scatterbrained side in check so that I’m not than a smaller load each day.
constantly forgetting something or living in
the midst of a chaotic mess.” ~Abby Lawson 04. Decide who can help. This will look
different in each phase. Distribute tasks by
TAK EAWAYS: strength or preference. You may need to
01. Our habits, routines and systems are bring in outside help.
what we revert back to when things get
busy and to avoid feeling overwhelmed and 05. Follow through by setting reminders
out of control. until your routine is established. Try setting
a timer, or starting a habit streak to see
02. Most of our systems and routines how many days in a row you can complete
come about because something is too the task.
difficult or annoying and we want to find a
way to fix it.
03. Find a trusted source for meal plans to

save time searching for recipes.
04. Make routines as enjoyable as

possible. Use the task as a time to listen to
a podcast or watch a favorite show.
05. Don’t try to make all of these changes

at once. Master one before moving to the
next.

Three Smart Systems
abby lawson
N OT ES

Lettering Truth
abby rike
SN APSH OT: 02. The dark printed lettering in the

In this interactive session, tap into your packet is meant to be used with tracing
creativity. Learn how to creatively worship paper. The light gray print is for you to write
through hand lettering Scripture. By the directly on the page.
end of the session you will have memorized
a verse while learning three fun lettering 03. Hold your pen at a 45 degree angle.
styles. If using a marker, you want press down to
make thicker lines on the down strokes,
QUI CK TI P: and lift up to make thinner lines on the
The more you interact with a verse, the upstrokes.
more it is going to stick.
04. As you start to write and memorize
WHAT ABBY H AS TO SAY: the verse, read it out loud, write it, and say
“Lettering truth had a profound impact it again. Then you have a card you can carry
because it gets the word into me…and it’s with you to keep repeating the verse to
so relaxing, and it allows me to be creative.” memorize.
~Abby Rike
05. Always keep the verse in context.
Read the verses before and after to fully
TAK EAWAYS:
understand God’s intended message.
01. A basic broad tip marker is a good
choice for lettering styles that have thicker
lines. A regular pen or pencil is good for the
thinner style lettering.
02. Lettering scripture allows your mind to

unwind and relieves anxiety by focusing on
God’s word.
03. You don’t have to have neat

handwriting to hand letter. Hand lettering is
about tracing and drawing the shapes.
ACT I O N STEP S :
01. To start you need to print only the
worksheet pages of the packet. You do not
need special lettering markers right now.
Grab any marker, pen, or pencil you have on
hand.

Lettering Truth
abby rike
N OT ES

Stop Living Paycheck to Paycheck
alaina fingal

Alaina teaches people how to plan their life 01. Using your planner or a monthly
and budget their money by using a planner, calendar, write down all of your bills and
with her main focus being on budget when they are due throughout the month.
planning. Learn the half-payment budget
method she used herself, and then began 02. Add up your expenses, with the due
teaching others to stop living paycheck to date, and see the total amount you will
paycheck and pay down debt. need to pay out from each check during the
entire month. These expenses should be
QUI CK TI P: your fixed expenses such as rent, insurance,
The Half-Payment Method will only work childcare, etc.
for you if your monthly income is more than
your expenses. 03. Compare your total income for the
month to the total expenses you have
WHAT ALAI N A H AS TO SAY: for the month. Make sure you have more
“When I first started, I felt so consumed income than expenses. You will then see
and didn’t feel like anything would work how much you have left over for variable
for us. When I applied this method, it really expenses (food, gas, entertainment, etc.).
transformed us overall.” – Alaina Fingal
04. Your next step is to divide all your bills
TAK EAWAYS: in half. This relieves the stress of having so
01. It is best to use this method on paper much of one check going toward the bills
so that you can have a full visual of when that are due, leaving you with not enough
everything is due. money for the variable expenses. Your
variable expenses will be divided by how
02. When estimating your variable much you need each check, which may not
expenses needed per paycheck, use your necessarily be exactly half.
bank statement instead of trying to guess
how much you need. Your numbers will be 05. Take out the variable expense amount
much more accurate. in cash or move it to another account.
That way you know you aren’t spending the
03. For bills that change, such as utility money needed to cover bills.
bills, it is easiest to estimate those by
looking at how much the bill was during
that month the previous year.

Stop Living Paycheck to Paycheck
alaina fingal
N OT ES

How to Create Easy Outfits
from Your Closet
alison lumbatis

Alison teaches us how to save time, feel 01. When considering an outfit formula,
confident, and not overwhelmed while we look at your closet for specific values. What
stand in our closets deciding what to wear. of those 5 variables do you already have?
Then, your outfit options are endless.
QUI CK TI P:
Always start with your bottoms when 02. Shop your closet for staples. These are
creating an outfit formula. items you can wear year-round, season after
season, year after year.
WHAT ALI SO N HAS TO SAY:
“The biggest obstacle standing in the way of 03. Fill in the blanks with your favorite
women feeling confident in their clothes is retailers. This will be less overwhelming
having the right pieces in their closets and because you have made a list already with
just as importantly knowing how to pair up what staples are missing from your closet.
those pieces.” ~Alison Lumbatis
04. Refresh your wardrobe with seasonal
TAK EAWAYS: trends and spice it up with accessories.
01. It isn’t just about clothes, it’s about
our quality of life. External changes have 05. Lay out your outfit combinations on
internal effects. the floor or bed. Take a picture so you can
go back and reference them.
02. The outfit formulas work for every
shape, every size, every age, and every
budget.
03. An outfit formula is a combination

of pieces that create a complete look. It’s
much like combining ingredients to make a
meal, except you have much more flexibility
in the ingredients of the outfit formula.
04. There are 5 variables in an outfit

formula- bottom, top, topper, shoes, and
accessories.

How to Create Easy Outfits
from Your Closet
alison lumbatis
N OT ES

Quiet Time with God
arabah and jen

It’s often hard as busy moms to find the 01. Have a plan when we study the word
quiet time we want to spend with God. of God. Know what you are going to do,
Arabah and Jen will share 5 steps to help us whether it be Bible reading, Bible study,
have that meaningful quiet time. prayer, etc., before you get started.
QUI CK TI P: 02. Make a daily date with God. One option

A meaningful quiet time is when we set is scheduling the time day by day according
aside a particular time to really become to your schedule. Another option is using
grounded and connected with the Lord the same time every day, such as mornings.
because that is where we get so much of
our strength. 03. Find a place to study. Studies show if
you choose the same place to study, you
WHAT J EN HAS TO SAY: study more effectively. It’s best if that space
“No matter what stage of life that you are isn’t used for multiple purposes.
in…we all have this in common — we need
each other, we need accountability, we need 04. Start with prayer. Some favorite verses
community, and we need time with our to pray are Ps. 119:36, Ps. 119:18, Ps. 86:11,
Creator.” ~Jen Evangelista and Ps. 90:14.
TAK EAWAYS: 05. Document how God speaks. This can

01. Daily quiet time will equip us for good be done through Bible journaling, parallel
works. When we spend time in God’s word, scripture writing, verse mapping, etc.
we understand what those good works are.
02. Meaningful quiet time will enrich us.

The word of God adds back to us those
things that have been taken from us
through living daily life.
03. Quiet time will facilitate our

fruitfulness. Daily time with God will assist
us in abiding in Christ, which results in
being fruitful.

Quiet Time with God
arabah and jen
N OT ES

Get Family Members Onboard
ashley buffa

Ashley helps to answer the question we 01. Show your family the power of 5
all have, which is, “How do I get my family minutes of focused work. Call everyone
members onboard with cleaning and into the room you want cleaned, set the
organizing the house?” without using the timer for 5 minutes. When the timer goes
typical chore charts. off, everyone can go, whether the job is
complete or not.
QUI CK TI P:
The first step is to look at ourselves and our 02. Figure out what chores you want each
attitudes. If we want our kids to have a good person to do. Everyone needs to help out
attitude, we have to model that for them. and work together as a team. There are jobs
for every age. When one finishes they help
WHAT ASH LE Y H AS TO SAY: someone else until the entire job is done.
“I am not a naturally clean and organized
person…but I do love being in a clean and 03. Phase the chores in. Start with the
organized environment...and because I have 5-minute cleanups until they are a habit.
a “million” kids, if I don’t get them on board, After a week or two assign each child one
I’m going to be constantly chasing my tail.” chore. When that becomes habit, add
~Ashley Buffa another. Keep going until all the jobs are
taken.
TAK EAWAYS:
01. Kids don’t want an open-ended task. 04. If your spouse is on board or even
They don’t understand what exactly neutral, give him a job that he enjoys doing.
it means to “clean the living room”. A If he isn’t on board, there’s really not much
definitive stopping point helps their brains you can do. Eventually, after he sees how it
understand. works, he may get on board.
02. Give a child a job for a long period of

time, such as six months to a year. That way
they do it until it’s mastered.
03. Realize this will take time. You may

have to switch chores around if after time
you see that it isn’t the best one for that
child to do.

Get Family Members Onboard
ashley buffa
N OT ES

How to Stop Stressing
About Money
ashley lapato

Ashley shares with us a proven method to 01. Give every dollar a job. Check in on
gaining control of our money using four your budget with the mindset of a boss
rules with whatever budget method is checking in with their employees.
preferred.
02. Whenever money comes in, ask
QUI CK TI P: yourself what does the money need to do
When you gain control of your money, you before you get paid again?
gain control of your life.
03. Budget your savings dollars, too.
WHAT ASH LE Y H AS TO SAY: Instead of one lump savings fund, divide it
“I had labeled myself as someone who was into the categories you are saving for.
a spender and simply bad at money…I had
no control over my money. Fast forward to 04. Embrace your true expenses. Treat
today…now I make financial decisions with less frequent, non-monthly expenses (car
so much more confidence.” ~Ashley Lapato repairs, appliance replacement, vet bills) like
a monthly bill.
TAK EAWAYS:
01. Using your bank account balance 05. Roll with the punches. Recognize
doesn’t give you all the information. It circumstances and priorities can change
doesn’t know what other expenses are and our budget should too.
going to come up such as emergency
vet visits or how much you’ll spend on 06. Age your money. Have a goal to age
groceries. your money 30 days, meaning money made
today will pay next month’s expenses.
02. Budget with the money you have
currently, not money you are expecting in
the future such as future paychecks or tax
refunds.
03. A budget will help you be wise with

your “have to” expenses, so you can make
room for your wants.

How to Stop Stressing
About Money
ashley lapato
N OT ES

Decluttering - the First Step
ashlynne eaton

Ashlynne gives us tips and strategies to 01. Simplify your closet to only the items
decluttering the following five areas in you actually wear, what you love, and what
our home: kitchen, living room, bedroom, fits.
bathroom, and storage areas.
02. Follow the decluttering formula by
QUI CK TI P: asking two questions. Do I use it? Do I love
Decluttering is the single thing that is it?
going to help you eliminate or significantly
reduce the stress you may feel when it 03. When decluttering the kitchen, watch
comes to your possessions. for duplicates, single-use items, and
anything collecting dust.
WHAT ASH LY N N E HAS TO SAY:
“I was surrounded by clutter..feeling 04. Declutter things in the bedroom that
stressed and overwhelmed. We had way might distract you from resting at night or
more possessions than we needed or frustrate your attempts to get ready in the
could realistically use. I decided to radically morning.
declutter. Over the course of about 6-9
months…I got rid of and decluttered 50-75% 05. Condense what you have in your
of our possessions.” ~Ashlynne Eaton storage areas to only things you’ll actually
reference. Just because you have the space
TAK EAWAYS: for it doesn’t mean you should keep it. Ask
01. When you own less, any organization yourself what you would rather use the
system is easier to maintain. space for.
02. Decluttering space-by-space can help

make decluttering less overwhelming. Don’t
make the mistake of trying to tackle
everything at once.
03. If after decluttering, you still have too

much, determine a practical number for you
to own.
04. Too much décor can actually detract

from the look or feel we are wanting in the
space.

Decluttering - the First Step
ashlynne eaton
N OT ES

Organizing Art Supplies
becca courtice
SN APSH OT: 02. Check Michael’s and IKEA for bins

Becca gives us her top tips for keeping our to hold supplies. They both have a variety
art supplies organized both functionally and where you can look to see what will work
attractively. best in your house for your particular
supplies.
QUI CK TI P:
Do what you can to have your supplies 03. A good tip for organizing is to
visible so it’s not only easy to pull things categorize your like items, such as painting
out, but to put things back. items, lettering items, etc.
WHAT BECCA HAS TO SAY: 04. Group by item type, not by color. While
“I’ve always been obsessed with art supplies grouping by color looks pretty, it’s not
and creative tools, but over the last five always practical.
years my art business has grown, and so has
my art supply collection.” ~Becca Courtice 05. When in doubt, rainbow it out. After
you have things organized by type, you can
then organize the types in rainbow order.
TAK EAWAYS:
01. Expect your craft space to evolve over
06. Leave a few spots for overflow or a junk
time as either your business grows or your
drawer. These are places you can throw the
hobby grows.
messy things in when the rest of the area is
neat and organized.
02. When choosing shelf storage, consider
if having to move stacked bins will be
something that will annoy you when you
need to get to your supplies.
03. If you are considering plastic drawer

units, be aware that they will not work well
with heavier supplies, which will cause the
drawers to not close and operate as they
should.
ACT I O N STEP S :
01. Until you know you are serious about
your crafting, it may be best to avoid
investing a lot of money in storage. IKEA
has some good options for shelving that is
functional and pretty.

Organizing Art Supplies
becca courtice
N OT ES

The Do’s and Don’ts of How to
Organize Your Home
becky marple
SN APSH OT: with this guilt and anxiety.

Becky Marple has been a professional
organizer for several years. Her family and 04. Just because you loved something
friends encouraged her because she is just once doesn’t mean you have to hold onto it
naturally good at organizing. She gives us forever. It’s okay to let go of things.
her top tips and hacks for organizing your
home. 05. The key to organizing is to discard first
and then organize second. That’s always
QUI CK TI P: the process.
Go to Instagram and Pinterest for
inspiration but definitely don’t hold your ACT IO N ST EPS:
standards to that because it’s just not 01. Have a buddy or friend come over to
attainable a lot of the time. go through your closet. When you touch
things you make a physical connection, so
WHAT BECK Y H AS TO SAY: have your friend touch the items and you
“Think about getting organized and staying tell them whether to keep or discard.
organized almost like your health. You can’t
just go and work out one time, or for three 02. Clean as you go. If you’ve now cleaned
months, and get super fit, and then be like, off the shelf, wipe it down. And before you
well, I’m good to go. You have to maintain.” ~ start putting things back in and organizing,
Becky Marple clean everything down so you’re starting off
with a fresh clean slate there.
TAK EAWAYS:
01. Think about every item in your home 03. Do the 10 minute tidy. Enroll the
in terms of where would it go. Everything in whole family, set a timer, make it fun, and
your home should have an assigned spot. just everybody runs around the house and
cleans up as much as they possibly can in
02. Start by discarding all at once, 10 minutes.
intensely and completely. That means
pulling out black trash bags and just ripping
the bandaid off, and going through every
single thing, and deciding keep or go, keep
or go, keep or go.
03. Never start with photos, keepsake

items, or momentos because it’s
almost always going to be a complete
failure, because you’re going to be dealing

The Do’s and Don’ts of How to
Organize Your Home
becky marple
N OT ES

Get Weeknight Meals to
Your Table
bri mckoy
SN APSH OT: 04. Your sauces can also be used as

Bri shares with us a three step system marinades or dressings.
to get weeknight meals to the table
consistently in a way that doesn’t make you ACT IO N ST EPS:
feel overwhelmed. 01. Meal plan for only four days. This will
help avoid burn out. On the fifth day, plan
QUI CK TI P: for take-out or leftovers. Another night
The right tools will make cooking dinner so of the week plan to always have the same
much easier. Some suggestions are a high thing, like pizza night. That last night
quality knife, garlic roller, ounce measuring usually is dinner with friends or leftovers.
cup, citrus press, meat crumbler, a trash
bowl, and a bench scraper. 02. Cook early. We tend to be tired by 6:00
pm, so cook earlier in the day when you
WHAT BR I H AS TO SAY: have more energy. This may not work with
“I did not learn to cook until after I got everyone’s schedule, but if you can do it at
married. It was a very bumpy road. There least a couple of nights, it will make a huge
were a lot of burnt meals. There were a lot difference.
of muffins with salt instead of sugar, but I
ended up falling in love with cooking.” ~Bri 03. Revamp classic dishes with a sauce.
McKoy Just by adding a sauce, you can elevate a
simple meal with very little effort.
TAK EAWAYS:
01. Think about what night of the week is
hardest for you to cook and use that night
as your takeout or leftover night. This night
can change seasonally if you need it to (for
example, if you have kids in sports).
02. When cooking earlier in the day,

find recipes where you add a couple of
ingredients at the end. These are perfect for
when it’s time to reheat the meal.
03. Add variety to your “every week” meals

(pizza night, nacho night, etc.) by combining
it with action step #3 of adding a sauce.

Get Weeknight Meals to
Your Table
bri mckoy
N OT ES

Monthly Meal Planning
brittany cooper
SN APSH OT: produce for later in the month. You can also
Brittany teaches us how to eliminate the hold out $20-25 per week just to purchase
stress of dinner time and to stop wasting fresh produce.
money by monthly meal planning and
shopping. We’ll start one week at a time and 05. Keep extra snack food out of sight and
build to only once a month! only pull it out when needed to avoid it all
being eaten at the beginning of the month.
QUI CK TI P:
When we go to the store without a game ACT IO N ST EPS:
plan, we end up overbuying and wasting a 01. Monitor the food going in and out of
lot of food. your house for one week. Begin by making
an inventory of things your family uses
WHAT BR I T TA N Y HAS TO SAY: every week.
“When it was just hubby and I, we used to
spend over $1000 a month on only food. 02. Make a meal plan for dinners for one
Now as a family of five, we spend around week at a time and then make your grocery
$500 a month on food AND miscellaneous list from the plan. Don’t forget to shop your
items.” ~Brittany Cooper fridge and pantry first to save money at the
store.
TAK EAWAYS:
01. When creating an inventory list, 03. Once you’ve become successful at
include special treats because if you can shopping for one full week without any
plan ahead, you can still buy the things you extra trips to the store, double your meal
want and save money. plan. Once you are successful with shopping
for two weeks, you will graduate to planning
02. You need to get one week of grocery and shopping for the whole month.
shopping down first as your baseline for
how much food and money you need for one 04. To know how much to budget for
week. Make adjustments as you go. monthly shopping, figure out how much you
need for one week. Double that to get your
03. In order to save the $400-600 needed amount for two weeks, and then double
for monthly shopping try eating out less that for spending for four weeks. As a
and cooking at home more. Another idea general rule, you will spend about $100 per
is to have a spending freeze for a certain person in your family for the month.
amount of time, cutting all non-essential
purchases.
04. When buying produce, save the hardier

Monthly Meal Planning
brittany cooper
N OT ES

Getting Started with Essential
Oils in Your Home
brooke christen
SN APSH OT: issues.

Brooke gives us some tips on what to look
for in essential oils and shares all the many ACT IO N ST EPS:
ways they can be used in our homes. 01. The amount of drops you use in the
diffuser will depend on the size of your
QUI CK TI P: room. If you have a larger room, you’ll want
It may take a little while to get used to the to use about 20 drops. Start with less and
scent of essential oils, but there are dupes add more if needed.
you can create for popular candles.
02. Add the oils to the diffuser first to help
WHAT BRO O K E H AS TO SAY: them blend together better. Then add your
“We were really struggling with my daughter, water. If you have hard water, use distilled or
helping her calm down at night…so we used filtered water.
it (diffuser) at night for her to sleep…It just
really helped her calm down and set the 03. If you have a good diffuser the mist will
right tone for her at night.” ~Brooke Christen not damage your furniture.
TAK EAWAYS: 04. Thieves is an essential oil blend that

01. Make sure your oils have quality makes a great cleaner. One capful in a spray
ingredients. You don’t want fragrance bottle of water is all you need. You can add
added. For example a cedar wood essential lemon or tea tree oil for added benefits.
oil should have cedar wood as the first
ingredient. 05. For a soft scrub dupe, use about ½ cup
of baking soda, a capful of Thieves and mix.
02. Peppermint and orange are a good Store in a glass jar.
combination to use in the mornings to wake
yourself up.
03. Lavender is good in the evening to get

ready for bed.
04. Essential oils can be used on the skin

with a carrier oil like jojoba oil or coconut
oil.
05. Google EWG (Environmental Working

Group) rating for your cleaning products
to see if they can cause potential health

Getting Started with Essential
Oils in Your Home
brooke christen
N OT ES

Using Trello to Manage Your
Home and Family
cara harvey

Cara gives us an overview of Trello and 01. Start by creating a workspace. You
how to use it in our home as well as can’t create a board without a workspace.
brainstorming different ways we can Give your workspace a name. Choose the
incorporate it into our lives. type or workspace if you want.
QUI CK TI P: 02. Create a board. Give it a title and click

Start right away using templates that have create. You can change the background by
already been created. Cara has some she clicking on the Show Menu.
has shared that include workspaces such as
home decluttering and weekly planning, 03. Lists are columns and they are where
you are going to put categories of things.
WHAT CAR A HAS TO SAY: Under each list you will create cards
“A few years ago I was struggling to manage or “items”. Click on the card to edit the
my home, and I thought “I need something features, such as description, if you want to
digital. I’m losing papers. I’m tired of sticky tag someone, create checklists, and more.
notes. I feel like I just don’t know how to
get organized.” A friend of mine introduced 04. When you see a board that is
me to Trello…It is a tool that can be a game called a template, click “Create Board
changer.” ~Cara Harvey from Template”. Move it to one of your
workspaces. Choose “Keep Cards”. Click
“Create”. Now that board has been copied to
TAK EAWAYS:
your workspace.
01. Think of a workspace as a folder
on Google Drive. It’s where you will put
common boards. Boards are like Google
Docs.
02. Make workspace titles very general

such as Family, Grocery, or Cleaning.
03. Using Trello is a great way to save

paperwork without having to save the
actual papers. Scan or take a picture and
store it in the appropriate card.
04. If you look at the calendar view, it will

also sync up with Google Calendar.

Using Trello to Manage Your
Home and Family
cara harvey
N OT ES

How to Organize Your Space -
Not Your Stuff
cas aarssen

Cas is going to break down the four steps to 01. The first step is to declutter. This
help you transform your home with a little means getting rid of trash, things that don’t
organization of your space, not your stuff. belong, things you haven’t used in the last
year, things you’ve just had enough of and
QUI CK TI P: want to go.
Don’t organize based on a broad category.
Instead organize based on what you touch 02. Know your organizing style. How
and use the most often. do you naturally sort and store your
belongings?
WHAT CAS HAS TO SAY:
“This isn’t about traditional ‘where things 03. Zone your space. Put things where you
should go’. It’s about creating a home that use it the most often.
functions the way that you do.” ~Cas Aarssen
04. Don’t take everything out of your
kitchen and try to organize in one session.
TAK EAWAYS:
Organize one drawer or cabinet at a time.
01. Valuable real estate in your home is
anything from waist to eye level. Things you
05. When you have zoned a space,
use every single day need to be stored in
knowing what it will be used for, it’s time
that valuable real estate.
to organize it. The shelving you have will
dictate the number of categories you can
02. You want to put things where it
have, i.e. four shelves will contain four
will require the least amount of work to
categories.
maintain, such as putting dishes near the
dishwasher.
06. Let the space be the limit for your
stuff. If everything doesn’t fit into the space,
03. Look at where you are naturally piling
it’s time to make some tough decisions
things. That’s probably where you need to
about what needs to go.
create a zone for those items. For example,
bills on the counter might be where you
need to set up a bill paying station.
04. Containers in your zones allows for

additional categories or extra detail in your
organization.

How to Organize Your Space -
Not Your Stuff
cas aarssen
N OT ES

Creating Family Money Values
chelsea brennan

Chelsea teaches us to change how our 01. When creating your family money
family thinks about money so that we can values, make it a relaxed, fun conversation
argue less and work together toward our as a family. Talk with your partner first to
dreams. get on the same page, then bring in the
children.
QUI CK TI P:
Be considerate and understanding of your 02. Take it slow. Decisions will not be
partner’s history with money and remember made in one meeting. By breaking it up, we
your own triggers through your money value give each other time to process.
conversations.
03. Be honest with your own money
WHAT CH ELS E A H AS TO SAY: struggles.
“Once you have your family money values,
you’ll find each small decision you make that 04. Listen, then talk. Let your partner talk
is in alignment with those values, makes uninterrupted until they are done. Then it’s
you feel a little bit more fulfilled, makes you your turn to talk, not respond to them, but
feel a little bit more like yourself every time about your own thoughts.
you make that decision. Often people feel
they’ve achieved what they want to achieve 05. If you are struggling to get your
before they hit that big beautiful goal.” partner to open up, explain why these
~Chelsea Brennan conversations are important to you.
TAK EAWAYS:
01. Family money values create a healthy
starting place to talk about money that isn’t
centered in past wrongs or disagreements.
02. Family money values help you make

big decisions by centering what matters to
you.
03. These values let you avoid future

parenting issues related to money.

Creating Family Money Values
chelsea brennan
N OT ES

What Should You Focus On First?
chrissy halton

Chrissy shares her system of bird types to 01. The focus of an Ostrich should be
help us identify which type we are so that on decluttering, specifically your space,
we can know where to focus first to get the because everything feels lighter and easier
best results. when you can relax in your home.
QUI CK TI P: 02. If you are a Swan, you should focus

If you start in the right place, you’ll see on streamlining so you can stop being in
results faster and gain confidence and reactive mode. Keeping up appearances
motivation to tackle more things in your takes a lot more than setting up systems
home and life. that will work for you.
WHAT CH R I S SY H AS TO SAY: 03. Puffins need to start by focusing on

“There’s so much to tackle, but the best their time. With our homes organized,
thing about it is you can easily split things we need to take a step back and focus on
up into more manageable chunks and do a organizing and taking care of ourselves.
bit at a time. When most small things are
all put together, they’ll form the organized 04. The focus of Owls should be
home and life that you’ve been wanting to maintenance. There’s nothing urgent to
achieve.” ~Chrissy Halton tackle any more. You are able to get back to
“normal” after any life emergencies. Enjoy
what you’ve created and tweak what you
TAK EAWAYS:
want to improve on.
01. The three foundations of the home
are space (your stuff), life (systems of your
home), and time (schedule). These cannot
all be tackled at the same time.
02. The key to finding your best place to

focus is to work with your current situation.
We are all unique and will need to start with
different areas.
03. Learning which stage (or bird) you

are is key to deciding where to focus your
organizing time & energy.

What Should You Focus On First?
chrissy halton
N OT ES

Folding 101
cindy huzenman

Cindy shares with us the benefits of file 01. To file fold, simply fold the way you
folding our clothes as well as tips to keeping normally would fold, and then fold it one
those organized drawers maintained. more time. These will stand up in the
drawer so you can see everything at one
QUI CK TI P: time.
When you’ve taken the time to fold and
organize, you will be more motivated to 02. Hang as many clothes as you have
keep it maintained. space for. It is the best way to maintain
order and reduces creasing.
WHAT CI NDY H AS TO SAY:
“Folding is something we’ve had for 03. Use a basket on shelves in the closet
centuries…Folding is something you feel you to give you the ability to file fold your
naturally need to do to maximize a space clothes instead of stacking them.
or contain something. Any time I go into a
space to organize it, I find the folding makes 04. Create sets of clothing for kids that
a huge difference.” - Cindy Huzenman include the entire outfit. Let them help
with this. Fold these together and file them
TAK EAWAYS: in the drawer. This gives them a sense of
01. When you file fold, you not only save independence in picking out their clothes
space, you get to see everything that is for the day.
there in the drawer.
05. Instead of investing in a folding board,
02. Color coding makes it visually use a magazine or piece of cardboard.
appealing and you can easily find what you
are looking for. It is also easier for kids to
put things away.
03. If your clothing doesn’t fit in the space,

it’s a sign that you have too much
04. If everything has a home, it’s very easy

to maintain and put things back where they
should go.
05. Anything that doesn’t crease easily has

a better rating for folding, such as jeans.

Folding 101
cindy huzenman
N OT ES

Travel Capsule Wardrobe
corina holden
SN APSH OT : 04. Rolling your clothes helps you to easily

Corina gives us some basic steps to putting see what you have packed instead of having
together a capsule wardrobe so that we can things folded on top of each other.
learn how to pack lighter.
05. Pack necklaces in snack size zip bags
QUI CK TI P: to prevent tangling.
The key to a capsule wardrobe is that all
the pieces mix and match. It doesn’t have ACT IO N ST EPS:
to be small, if you like variety. It just needs 01. Think of the details of your trip- how
to cover all the bases and you like what you many days, the forecast, and kinds of
have. activities you’ll be doing, which determines
the categories of clothes you’ll need.
WHAT CO R I N A H AS TO SAY: Categories could be workout, casual,
“Having a definite set of wardrobe pieces professional, and/or dressy.
that mix and match helps with the budget
and helps with decision fatigue.” ~Corina 02. Think about the outfit combinations
Holden for each of the categories and the number
you need (will you be doing laundry?). Use
TAK EAWAYS: the first combination, and start seeing
01. Purposefully pick neutral colors for how you work with that and expand it for
your pieces and bring in color through different categories.
accessories such as scarves or jewelry.
You can also choose to limit color to just 03. Think about all the different ways you
your tops, which will then work with all the can wear a single piece. For example, a
neutral bottoms. t-shirt can go with jeans, shorts, or a skirt.
02. Try limiting layering pieces (cardigan,

jacket) to just one. Just make sure it will
work with all of your other pieces. Try this
with jewelry and shoes, too.
03. When choosing a bag/purse to bring,

try to choose one that is versatile for most
if not all of your activities. Cross body bags
and backpacks are good options.

Travel Capsule Wardrobe
corina holden
N OT ES

Taming the Email Monster
crystal paine
SN APSH OT: 04. Deal with email immediately. Get in

Do you feel overwhelmed with the amount the habit of processing email as soon as it
of email in your inbox? Crystal will tell us comes in. Have set times throughout the
four strategies for taming your inbox, giving day when you process email.
us a plan to become more efficient with
email. ACT IO N ST EPS:
01. When you open your inbox, scan and
QUI CK TI P: quickly delete what you can. Archive what
Turn off notifications for social media and you think you might need later. After that,
your email. You will see them when you log you will unsubscribe to anything you don’t
in to the apps or if it’s important enough, want to receive anymore.
people will find a way to get in touch with
you. 02. Open and deal with all remaining
emails right away. Respond to anything that
WHAT CRYSTA L H AS TO SAY: you can respond to in less than a minute.
“Email should not be overwhelming, but File any emails that need to be filed. These
something that is a tool in your business.” are things you need to have access to, but
~ Crystal Paine will require action on your part or you need
to be reminded of.
TAK EAWAYS:
01. Unsubscribe ruthlessly. If you find 03. Respond to as many of the lengthier
yourself automatically deleting emails emails as you can. Allow 15-30 minutes to
without reading them, it’s time to process your email.
unsubscribe.
04. For an overwhelming amount of
02. If you know you won’t need to look at emails, try committing about 3 hours
an email ever again, use the delete button. over the next day or two. Set a timer for
In Gmail, if you just want it out of your 15 minutes and delete everything you
inbox, and set aside somewhere where you can delete quickly. Set another timer for
can go back to it if needed, use the Archive 15 minutes and archive and unsubscribe.
button. Set a timer again for 15 minutes and look
for emails you can answer in a minute or
03. Set up filters. This will set aside the less and respond to those. Now, start back
emails you are filtering into a separate over and do four rounds of this to process
folder that you can deal with later. through thousands of email.

Taming the Email Monster
crystal paine
N OT ES

Organization: It Starts in
Your Mind
dana white
SN APSH OT: 02. If you struggle with needing to be

Dana helps us to change our mindset so perfect, change your mindset from having
that the thought of “getting organized” a perfect space to having less and making
doesn’t feel overwhelming and is something the space better. Now, anything you do has
we can do in as little as 5 minutes. made an impact and you have succeeded in
your goal.
QUI CK TI P:
The most important mindset shift is 03. Don’t get discouraged if you have a
understanding that decluttering and small space. Having a larger space isn’t
organizing are not the same thing. going to solve the clutter problem.
WHAT DANA HAS TO SAY: 04. The purpose of a container is not to

“Once I just focused on decluttering, I was put stuff in it. Containers are meant to
able to start immediately…By decluttering, I contain and serve as limits. It makes the
ultimately achieved all the things I had been decision of how many of something you can
wanting.” ~Dana White keep.
05. Your family deserves priority space in

TAK EAWAYS:
the container first. They have to be able to
01. We have to change the mindset that
do the things they need to do. That is the
decluttering is pulling everything out of a
first priority. For example, your family eating
space and spending hours going through it.
at the table takes priority over the “stuff”
that is on the table.
02. Getting rid of trash counts as
decluttering. If that’s all you have time to
06. Remove emotions from decluttering.
do, you’re making progress.
Work on instinct and boundaries set by the
containers.
03. Decluttering item by item means
whatever amount of time you have, you’re
never going to end up worse than you were
before.
ACT I O N STEP S :
01. The key to decluttering in any amount
of time that you have available is to go item
by item, final decision by final decision.

Organization: It Starts in
Your Mind
dana white
N OT ES

Grocery Budgeting
danielle lashawn

Danielle teaches you to use apps on your 01. Take a notepad and go to your fridge
phone to maximize your savings and time and pantry to see what you already have.
when you’re grocery shopping. Craft your meals around what you already
have on hand. Categorize this list by
QUI CK TI P: proteins, dairy, fruits & veggies, canned
To help reduce waste, cut up celery and goods, and dry goods.
carrots and store in a mason jar with water.
They should last 2-3 weeks this way. 02. Search Pinterest for recipes and meal
inspiration. Plug in some of the ingredients
WHAT DANI E L L E H AS TO SAY: you already have and see what results come
“When I use the store app to create a list, up.
it shows me the pricing, which is a bonus,
because it helps me to stay on budget. I also 03. Use the Flipp app to easily see all the
feel like it helps me to decrease impulse sales flyers in your area. You can search by
buying when I’m in the store. If I have a list. ingredient or by store.
I’m not really browsing.” ~Danielle LaShawn
04. Use the Instacart app to make your
TAK EAWAYS: grocery list. If another family member has
01. When taking inventory of your fridge the app, they can access the list to do the
and pantry, remember to open boxes and shopping for you.
containers to see if they are getting low and
need to be restocked before it’s completely
empty.
02. Mark items on your list with “H” or “N”

to show if you already have the item or if
you need to purchase the item.
03. Don’t forget to plan to use leftovers

when planning meals for the week.
04. If you are an Amazon Prime member,

you can take advantage of free delivery
through the Amazon website from Amazon
itself or Whole Foods.

Grocery Budgeting
danielle lashawn
N OT ES

The Silent To-Do List
dawn madsen
SN APSH OT: 04. Just because something is out of sight

Dawn shares with us the concept of “The doesn’t mean it still isn’t on the mental
Silent To-Do List” by explaning what it is, to-do list. It’s still something that you are
and how we can shorten this list to have a going to have to handle again at some
more peaceful home. point.
QUI CK TI P: ACT IO N ST EPS:

We need to promote ourselves and our 01. As you go through the items in your
feelings and what we need to feel peaceful home, use the silent to-do list as a filter.
in our house. Ask yourself if it is adding value or causing
more stress.
WHAT DAW N H AS TO SAY:
“I really wanted to get to a point where it 02. When you are using that filter,
(our home) was a haven. A place where when promote the things that bring you joy and
we came home at the end of the night, we make you happy.
got to relax, we got to recharge, and block
out the rest of the world for a little while, 03. When trying to get the family on board
while we’re here.” ~Dawn Madsen with decluttering and simplifying your
home, share this concept of the silent to-do
TAK EAWAYS: list with them to help them understand the
01. Every item in our home is sending us stress you are feeling.
messages and is on the silent to-do list.
For example, dishes by the sink are saying
“Wash me.”
02. If you have a project or task that is

overwhelming or seems stressful, it’s okay
to say that while you thought you could
undertake it, you can’t do it or you’ve
changed your mind. You need to pass it to
someone else or get help with it.
03. When decluttering, have the mindset

of picking out a few favorites that evoke
happy memories, and then find a way to use
or display them.

The Silent To-Do List
dawn madsen
N OT ES

Simplified Meal Planning
erin port

Meal planning doesn’t have to be 01. Set yourself up to succeed. Get a
complicated or time consuming. Erin gives meal plan journal, set a time to meal plan,
us her tips to come up with a simple meal and create a “Dinner Winner” list. Dinner
plan, without taking a lot of time and having winners are easy to make meals that are
meals that your family will enjoy. loved by the family.
QUI CK TI P: 02. After looking at your schedule for the

Think about why you want to meal plan. A week, set a timer for about 20 minutes and
habit sticks longer if you know why you’re do not allow any distractions while you plan
doing it. your meals.
WHAT ER I N H AS TO SAY: 03. Plan 5 meals. Stuck on what to make?

“If implemented, it (meal planning) can Pull out your dinner winner list or ask your
simplify one of the most frustrating parts family what they would like.
of your day. Every mom that I’ve ever talked
to dreads the words ‘What’s for dinner?’, but 04. Transfer your meals onto your
I promise you you’ll dread it no more once planner based on your schedule. Make a
you start meal planning.” ~Erin Port corresponding grocery list and plan your
shopping trip.
TAK EAWAYS:
01. Meal planning can be planning only 05. Every morning, look at your meal plan
dinners or all three meals of the day. The and make changes if necessary.
bottom line is it’s a plan for how you are
going to feed your family.
02. Meal planning saves time and money.

It also helps you eat more healthily. Having
a plan also saves you from being asked
“What’s for dinner?” Everyone can look and
see for themselves.
03. One reason people stop meal planning

is they don’t look at their calendar. They’ve
made meal plans that don’t fit their
schedule and the food goes to waste.

Simplified Meal Planning
erin port
N OT ES

How to Organize Your
Bible Resources
hannah jinks
SN APSH OT: 04. When Bible time becomes part of our

Hannah answers two main questions many daily habits, they become ingrained in who
of us have. First, how do I make God a part we are and our family lifestyle.
of my daily life? Second, how do I organize
Bible resources so that Bible time is ACT IO N ST EPS:
efficient and intentional? 01. Start by picking one or two habits you
want to establish. Over the next 30 days,
QUI CK TI P: really focus on those one or two habits.
Connect Bible time with already established Reevaluate at the end of the 30 days to see
habits such as when you drink your morning if you need to keep working on it or if you
coffee, or when you are driving to or from are ready to start a new habit.
work.
02. Style the tools you will use while
WHAT H ANN A H HAS TO SAY: working on your habit to fit your space. This
“I feel so passionately about making God could be laminated cards that can get wet
part of our day, and bringing in Bible habits, during bath time, or a bin or basket that
and carving out time during our day to makes the area look pretty.
spend with Him - to grow closer to Him.”
~Hannah Jinks 03. Don’t confine Bible resources to only a
bookshelf. Have Bible resources throughout
TAK EAWAYS: the home so that when you are doing the
01. Bible habits you may want to work things you’re already doing, these resources
on could be reading the Bible, memorizing are easily accessible to talk about the Bible.
verses, scripture writing, or memorizing
hymns.
02. Have a visual mental trigger for your

habit. Such as putting your Bible next to
the coffee pot, or a basket holding memory
verses on the kitchen table where you have
breakfast.
03. Consider Jesus, where Bible time was

not something to be checked off, but was
weaved in throughout the day.

How to Organize Your
Bible Resources
hannah jinks
N OT ES

How to Create a Prayer Journal
heidi bunting
SN APSH OT: your prayers. As your prayer needs change,

Did you know you can organize your you can easily switch out the sticky notes.
prayers? Heidi explains to us how she
started organizing her prayers in a journal ACT IO N ST EPS:
and how that has changed through the 01. Divide up your prayers into topics.
years. Some might be Christ’s sacrifice,
forgiveness, thankfulness, praise, wisdom,
QUI CK TI P: your spouse/marriage, your role as a
If you feel intimidated by starting to pray on parent, etc.
a consistent basis, start small. Start with
the sticky note system. Start with a 02. On the first page of each section of
shorter prayer. your binder, have verses written down to
help you during times when you don’t know
WHAT H EI D I HAS TO SAY: what to say. The Psalms are a great place to
“Keeping records of what I prayed about find these.
allowed me to see when God had answered
that prayer, and sometimes that was years 03. Include a list of all the qualities of God
and years after I started praying for it.” in your section on praise.
~Heidi Bunting
04. You can either make your bullet list as
TAK EAWAYS: you are praying or make your list first, and
01. Sometimes we think we have to pray then bring it to God.
about every single thing there is to pray
about each time we pray. That thought can 05. Instead of thanking God for your
be overwhelming and keep us from praying blessings in general, challenge yourself to
at all. list the specific blessings you have received.
02. After you become disciplined and build

habits, having a conversation with God
becomes easier.
03. You can find some resources online

that will give you some lists of things you
can pray for, such as things to pray for your
husband.
04. A simpler alternative is a small

notebook with lined sticky notes to record

How to Create a Prayer Journal
heidi bunting
N OT ES

How Organization Affects Your
Health
janelle williams
SN APSH OT: 04. Clutter isn’t just the physical objects.

As a professional organizer and with There is also digital clutter (social media,
a Master’s degree in public health, phone notifications, emails) and emotional
Janelle understands just how much our clutter (guilt/regret, bad habits, toxic
environment affects our health. She shares relationships, life challenges).
with us four steps to get organized and
improve our physical and mental well-being. ACT IO N ST EPS:
01. Shift your mindset. Explore the why
QUI CK TI P: behind the disorganization and address
As people protecting our wellness, we behaviors & patterns. You can then create a
cannot do everything. It’s important for us system or solution to improve organization.
to delegate. Know what you are good at.
The other things that you don’t know how 02. Prioritizing creates a sense of
to do or do well, delegate those. purpose and facilitates efficiency. Establish
consistent routines for more structure,
WHAT JANEL L E HAS TO SAY: which decreases anxiety. Be sure to
“Whenever I’m doing any talks or public schedule time for rest and mental checks.
speaking, I really like to take organization
back towards health, because it does affect 03. Start with 3-5 small tasks to avoid
our overall health and overall wellness.” being overwhelmed. Taking on too much
~Janelle Williams will lead to stress and anxiety.
TAK EAWAYS: 04. Declutter anything that doesn’t work

01. Health not only relates to our bodies, efficiently or clutters your mind. Limit
but our environments. Disorganized spaces distractions, obligations, & responsibilities
lead to increased levels of stress which is a if possible. Use the Eisenhower Matrix to
major contributor to chronic disease. prioritize tasks.
02. When your surroundings are

in disarray, you may feel sluggish,
unmotivated, and unable to prioritize day to
day activities.
03. Clutter can cause overstimulation.

Your senses will process stimuli that are not
important. Rest becomes difficult, causing
fatigue and decreased productivity.

How Organization Affects Your
Health
janelle williams
N OT ES

Cash Envelope System
jazmine waller

Jazmine walks us through her journey of 01. You first need to complete your
gaining control of her money through the budget to know what you’re spending. It
use of cash envelopes as well as giving tips needs to be realistic, not what you wish it
on how to get started. could be.
QUI CK TI P: 02. In the beginning, use the more

Using cash causes you to make the common categories where you spend
conscious decision to stick to your budget regularly. Those would be groceries, dining
and not overspend. out, household goods, clothing, and gas.
WHAT JAZ MIN E HAS TO SAY: 03. You don’t need to use pre-filled budget
“I was tired of being broke. I was tired sheets you find online. You can create your
of having no money in my account and own that is specific to your own needs.
I wanted to be a better example for my
daughter…I decided to make some financial 04. Digital envelope systems are useful
changes in my life.” ~Jazmine Waller for categories where you need to use your
debit card for payments.
TAK EAWAYS:
01. A cash envelope is an actual envelope 05. Create envelopes for sinking funds-
where you pull out cash for your daily expenses that are quarterly or yearly. Divide
expenses. You use that budgeted amount the amount into smaller amounts you set
of cash only. When it’s gone, you stop aside each month.
spending.
02. It may take some time to figure out

how much you actually need for each
category. You may also find you need to add
a category you didn’t think of originally.
03. Be real with yourself if you tend to

overspend. Realize that you may need to do
something that doesn’t feel comfortable at
first to get control of your spending.

Cash Envelope System
jazmine waller
N OT ES

Changing Your Decluttering
Habits
jenn lifford

Jenn shares with us how decluttering is a 01. One way to start decluttering is to
lot like dieting or making a lifestyle change do a 30 day challenge of quick surface
and gives us tips on using that analogy to decluttering. Don’t go into drawers and
get our homes in order. closets at this time. This method will not
only make a big visual impact but will build
QUI CK TI P: confidence.
Life will happen. If your space slips back to
a cluttered state, you just pick back up and 02. There’s no wrong place to start the
start again! next level of decluttering, but the kitchen
is a good place because it’s a place where
WHAT J ENN HAS TO SAY: people hang out. It will make a strong
“The more I started to think of why it functional impact. It’s also a place where
(decluttering) wasn’t working, the more the there isn’t a lot of emotional clutter.
principle started reminding me of the basic
principles of going on a diet or adapting 03. Help the family get on board by
a healthier eating lifestyle. Especially of it getting them involved and giving them
being more of a lifestyle change.” ~Jenn input. If that isn’t possible, don’t let them
Lifford stop the process for you.
TAK EAWAYS: 04. Find those items that are always

01. Having a healthy home is being able sitting around and find a home for them.
to achieve the goals of what you want your Once they have a home, get in the habit of
home to look like- having time to do what putting things away as you use them.
you want, having a calm relaxing space, and
having it fit your family’s lifestyle.
02. There’s a learning process to

decluttering and organizing. It’s important
to go back and evaluate how a space is
functioning after a month or two.
03. An organized space will be easy to

maintain. If it keeps getting to a state of
disorganization, you probably have too
much stuff.

Changing Your Decluttering
Habits
jenn lifford
N OT ES

3 Essentials to a Simple Life
jennifer roskamp
SN APSH OT: keeps you from getting decision fatigue.

As a homeschooling mom of nine, Jennifer
understands how life can be overwhelming ACT IO N ST EPS:
and shares three essentials to a simple life 01. Assign 10 minutes of down time to
that we can put into action right away. your daily plan three times a day every day.
Take 10 minutes at the start and 10 minutes
QUI CK TI P: at the end of each day. Put the remaining 10
Give yourself permission to recognize and minutes during the transition of one task to
embrace that you can’t do it all. another.
WHAT J ENNIF E R H AS TO SAY: 02. Choose your most important area that
“To not recognize that self-care is not simply you want to get under control. Study the
a want…it is a need is a huge mistake. The area for a couple of days to see what the
truth is we all need self-care.” ~Jennifer root of the problem is. Brainstorm three
Roskamp things you can do to offset what causes the
problem.
TAK EAWAYS:
01. Self-care is essential. You can only 03. Write down your daily plan. Set a
pour from an empty cup for so long. distinct waking time and bedtime. Schedule
Because it’s essential, you’ll end up taking a meal time. You should already have
it when you don’t realize it by letting your your three 10-minute down time breaks
mind “take a break”, usually by getting on scheduled. Also, have a time in the morning
your phone. The truth is you’re taking more and evening when you are going to work on
down time when you “sneak” it than when something to care for your home.
you plan for it.
02. You can’t possibly keep all areas of

your home as you would like them at all
times. If you are able to keep the important
areas under control, your entire home will
feel much better. You need to correctly
diagnose the problem of why the areas are
out of control.
03. Having a daily schedule doesn’t mean

you have to be busy all the time. It will
allow you to handle the curve balls that life
throws at you. It also saves you time and

3 Essentials to a Simple Life
jennifer roskamp
N OT ES

Live Beautifully at Home
jennifer scott

Jennifer shares with us how to live 01. Attack the giant problem areas first.
beautifully in our home by identifying the Those are our biggest distractions from
problem areas and implementing systems enjoying our home.
to correct and then maintain peace and
beauty. 02. Once you are aware of what the
problem area is, do something about it.
QUI CK TI P: Then you will implement a system to ensure
Beauty really is order. It’s not about a it stays that way, not just a one-time
certain style necessarily. We all have solution.
different styles, but it is about a flow, an
order, and a feeling. 03. Consistency is key. You have to be self
disciplined.
WHAT J ENNIF E R H AS TO SAY:
“Women are very visual creatures and we 04. Start by making your bedroom a
really do care about our space. The reason priority. Make it a beautiful space you enjoy
that we want to be organized is so that we’re with a nicely made bed, beautiful lighting,
not living in chaos and we’re able to visually pretty flowers, etc.
see what we want reflected in our own style
and our own aesthetics.” ~Jennifer Scott 05. When establishing a routine start with
making your bed, cleaning your dishes, and
TAK EAWAYS: having a clean bathroom. The rest you can
01. Your home will tell you what needs let go.
to be done. Some may be surrounded by
clutter. Some may need a different laundry
system. It will be different for everyone.
02. If you aren’t sure what the problem

areas are, go outside and walk back in with
the eyes of someone looking to buy your
house.
03. None of us are born with self discipline.

Some of it depends on how they were
raised, but it’s ultimately a muscle
that you have to work out every day.

Live Beautifully at Home
jennifer scott
N OT ES

Mudroom Makeover Tips
jessica nickerson
SN APSH OT: 02. Keep your expensive elements such

Jessica recently made over her mudroom as furniture neutral, but use paint on your
and shares with us the process she went walls to play with color and experiment. It is
through and gives us tips on easy and a small investment of money and time.
inexpensive ways to makeover our own
spaces. 03. For accessories, shop your home first,
then look at thrift stores and places like
QUI CK TI P: Facebook Marketplace. You may also find
If you don’t love the way a space looks, you something from another room in your home
won’t be motivated to keep it looking nice. that will work better in another room.
WHAT J ESSI CA HAS TO SAY: 04. Use accessories that are a little quirky
“I want to be helpful, and I want to that represent the feel of the house or that
encourage you to work with what you’ve got hold a memory.
and create a home that you love.” ~Jessica
Nickerson 05. Take a picture of a shelf or your
fireplace that you’ve styled and then look
at the picture. You may notice something
TAK EAWAYS:
you didn’t see in “real life” that you want to
01. Sometimes we get stuck thinking that
change.
a space has to function in the same way it
did when someone else lived there or how
it always has. That’s not the case. Make the
space work for you and your family.
02. It’s okay to let your home evolve over

time. You won’t know what will make the
space function the most until you’ve lived
in it for a while.
03. Add accessories to a space in odd

numbers. It is more visually appealing.
ACT I O N STEP S :
01. Let your makeovers be more than a
one-time event. Make it a work in progress,
starting with one small change. See how
that works before moving to the next stage.

Mudroom Makeover Tips
jessica nickerson
N OT ES

How to Delegate More to Your
Family
joann crohn

JoAnn shows us how the issues we have 01. The relationship with your child is
with delegating are relationship-based the priority. Pushback is usually from a
and shares with us three steps to get your breakdown in the relationship. Notice
family to help out more without nagging the good they are doing right now, their
and reminding. strengths, with “I notice” statements.
QUI CK TI P: 02. Communicate with curiosity. Kids get

So often we are told we need lists and defensive when we play prosecutor. Instead,
things we need to check off to make sure get curious. Find out the real issue behind
we delegate to our family, but the issue is a the behavior. Talk to your child outside
little bit deeper. It’s relationship-based. of the behavior, maybe later in the car.
Again, use the “I notice” statements, and
WHAT J OANN HAS TO SAY: follow with “What’s up?” Then wait for their
“This is starting a great new relationship answer.
with your family where you don’t have to
nag them anymore; where they take care of 03. Yield the work. Stop for a day and
you; where you feel supported in the house watch what your kids do on their own and
as much as you support them. Big changes what is left undone. Start with the “I notice”
take time. Do not get discouraged.” ~JoAnn statements about the good things your
Crohn kids do. Move into using those statements
about tasks they’re not doing. Pick one
TAK EAWAYS: thing to focus on at a time.
01. When you’re able to eliminate the
feeling of being overwhelmed, you have
time to connect and enjoy your kids.
02. Kids will apply this self-motivation

and independence to all other areas of their
lives.
03. If they already have a chore list, you

don’t have to let it go. They may give more
attention to the list knowing they have that
one thing they are working on.

How to Delegate More to Your
Family
joann crohn
N OT ES

Digital Self Care
jules acree
SN APSH OT: 05. Instead of thinking of when you don’t

Technology is everywhere and often hard want to use your phone, think of the other
to get away from. Jules gives us her tips on activities you do want to enjoy and make
how to set boundaries with our devices to time for.
allow ourselves more time for self-care.
ACT IO N ST EPS:
QUI CK TI P: 01. Have boundaries and intentions
Try putting your phone across the room behind each technological device you
overnight to avoid being tempted to check bring in.
it first thing in the morning.
02. Try task batching. Set aside a block of
WHAT J ULES H AS TO SAY: time when you will focus on only one task,
“I was working for myself…trying to figure such as responding to emails.
out how I can still be creative while finding
structure. I started to hone in on intentional 03. To avoid distractions and help with
productivity, intentional living, simplifying.” focusing on a task, turn off notifications or
~Jules Acree put your device in “do not disturb” mode.
TAK EAWAYS: 04. Instead of filling time with your phone,

01. When our devices are both for personal practice some self-care activities such as
use and work, it’s hard to set boundaries so journaling or pursuing a hobby.
that the two don’t intermix.
02. Most times when we are losing

focus it is because we are task switching,
which creates interruptions and reduces
productivity.
03. Notion is an app that allows you to

contain all of your work needs into one
platform instead of having several you have
to keep up with.
04. Don’t get into the habit of constantly

reacting to things that are coming in. You
may need to have a conversation with
someone to explain the need to have
uninterrupted time to work.

Digital Self Care
jules acree
N OT ES

Organizing Wardrobe Closets
katie savage

Katie walks us through the process of 01. Take everything out of your closet,
cleaning out our closet and transforming including non-clothing items, and group
it into a fresh organized space that we will things together in like categories.
enjoy.
02. Wipe everything down and make
QUI CK TI P: the space clean and fresh when you put
It’s important to go through your closet at everything away.
least twice a year — in the spring and the
fall. 03. As you begin making the decisions of
what to keep, touch every item of clothing.
WHAT KATI E HAS TO SAY: Look for stains or holes. Think about the
“This is a space that should make you feel last time you wore the item. Ask if the item
happy. When a closet is organized, I feel fits well.
putting laundry away or just getting out
of the house is so much simpler.” ~Katie 04. Think how you want to put everything
Savage back. Keep all long hanging clothes
together. On a double hanging rack, keep
TAK EAWAYS: tops on top and bottoms on bottom. Going
01. Make sure you set aside enough time left to right, hang your clothes light-colored
to organize your closet in one day. You don’t to dark-colored.
want clothes lingering until the next day.
05. Have pen and paper handy to make a
02. Keep some bags close by for list of things you need to replace, such as a
donations, trash, and things you will white shirt that has gotten dingy.
potentially sell.
03. Sort based on categories- dress shirts,

pants, blouses, athleisure. This helps you
see what you have in that category when
you start making decisions later.
04. Using the same style hangers helps

you to truly see everything that is in your
closet by eliminating the distraction of
different types and colors of hangers.

Organizing Wardrobe Closets
katie savage
N OT ES

Reset Your Home in Two Days
kayse pratt

Kayse shares how physical clutter also 01. The night before, break down the
causes mental clutter, which decreases rooms of your house into surface areas.
productivity. She will teach us how to do Reorganize that list in order of priority. Grab
a complete reset of our home in just two the items that will help you sort as you
days. clean. Look over the checklist for the next
day.
QUI CK TI P:
The goal is not to deep clean every inch of 02. The goal of day 1 is to clear the clutter.
your home. The purpose is to bring purpose Start by putting in a load of laundry. Choose
and functionality back to your spaces, your starting room and location for your
focusing on the big picture, not the tiny sorting piles. Then begin clearing one
details. surface at a time. Return only the most
essential things to the surface.
WHAT KAYSE H AS TO SAY:
“I cannot function very well in a place that 03. Deal with each pile one at a time. Give
feels chaotic. I know that getting my space each family their own pile to put away, while
in order actually helps me clear that mental you work on the other piles. Repeat the
clutter, then I’m able to get so much more process for each surface in the space.
work done.” ~Kayse Pratt
04. On day 2, deal with the problem areas.
TAK EAWAYS: List them in order with the worst area first.
01. This may be best done on a weekend Next, map out your space and think how you
when your spouse can help with the kids, can use it better. You may decide it would
but it can be done with your kids at home, be better repurposed and used differently.
especially if they are old enough to help you. Be selective with what you return to the
space. Repeat the process for all other
02. Part of serving your family is teaching problem areas.
them to become responsible adults. That
does not mean doing everything for them.
Everyone can help in their own way.
03. Make things easier on yourself by

preparing crockpot meals for these two
days so you don’t have to worry about
preparing a meal.

Reset Your Home in Two Days
kayse pratt
N OT ES

Top Tips from a Professional
Organizer
kenika williams

Kenika teaches us how to approach the task 01. Start in a space that doesn’t
of organizing our homes in a way that will immediately overwhelm you. That may be
not be overwhelming, will work within our under the bathroom sink or a small drawer
budget, be functional, and maintainable. or closet.
QUI CK TI P: 02. Once you are ready to tackle the larger

Before you start organizing your space, spaces, start with the floors, giving yourself
adjust your mindset toward your goal and a clear path into the space.
wanting an environment that promotes
happy living. 03. Establish zones or quadrants in
the space and tackle them one at a time
WHAT KENI K A HAS TO SAY: instead of pulling everything out at once.
“A lot of times people are not honoring the
space limitations of their home…If you focus 04. Categorize the entire space and then
on only keeping the things you absolutely work on putting the categories of items
love, use, and need, you are 50% of the way that don’t belong in that space where they
there, probably even 75% of the way there.” need to go.
~Kenika Williams
05. After the space is organized, focus on
TAK EAWAYS: establishing habits to keep the space
01. Trying to tackle an entire room when maintained.
getting started will likely cause decision
fatigue and overwhelm.
02. Starting small allows for small win

cycles, giving you momentum to later
tackle the larger projects.
03. Shop your home first to see if you have

organizing containers you can repurpose.
Next, look on Pinterest to see what others
are using for organizing to find the look you
like.

Top Tips from a Professional
Organizer
kenika williams
N OT ES

Spice Jar Labeling
kimberly coffin
SN APSH OT: 02. Directions to make labels with Cricut

Kimberly teaches us how to turn a mess Joy.
of spices into a beautifully organized spice a) Download the label file and open in
rack. Design Space.
b) Click “Make It”.
QUI CK TI P: c) Click “Continue” and connect your
The pdf file does contain some blank labels Cricut Joy machine.
should you need a label that isn’t pre-made. d) Select Writable Vinyl as your
material.
TAK EAWAYS: e) Insert the pen into the clamp. Load
01. To use your printer you will need the vinyl into the machine and press
printable sticker paper, a printer, scissors, “Go” to begin the writing process.
rubbing alcohol, 4 oz. spice jars, and a f) When the writing is complete,
standing spice jar bamboo organizer. remove the pen and replace with your
blade.
02. To use your Cricut Joy you need a g) Press “Go” to begin cutting.
Cricut Joy, Cricut Joy Smart Label Writable h) When complete, unload your mat.
Vinyl, black fine point pen, fine point blade, i) Prep your spice jar by wiping down
rubbing alcohol, 4 ounce spice jars, and a with the rubbing alcohol.
standing spice jar bamboo organizer. j) Peel the label away from the
backing and placed centered on your
jar.
ACT I O N STEP S :
01. Directions to make labels with your
printer.
a) Download the free spice jar label
pdf file.
b) Load your printable sticker paper
into your printer and print your labels
following the direction for your specific
printer.
c) Use your scissors to cut out each
label on the square outline.
d) Prep the surface of your jar by
cleaning with rubbing alcohol.
e) Peel off the backing of the label
and place it centered on the jar.

Spice Jar Labeling
kimberly coffin
N OT ES

Shop Your Shelves
kimmy hughes
SN APSH OT: 04. Don’t panic buy. Stick to your menu

Kimmy shows us how we can shop our and stick to your budget.
shelves, live off our pantry, and have enough
food on hand for your family for up to three ACT IO N ST EPS:
months. 01. The most important thing you can do
is menu plan. Find your go-to meals and
QUI CK TI P: write those down.
Having food on your shelves means you are
always prepared for when you can’t go to 02. Look through your go-to meals, write
the store due to weather, shut downs, or job down the ingredients and how much you
losses. need for however long you want to store it.
WHAT KI MMY H AS TO SAY: 03. Shop the sales. Stock up on things you
“I learned a lot of this from watching my will use while they are on sale.
parents growing up over the years, having an
extended pantry, and living off of that. It has 04. When you bring food in, put it in the
helped us through some very tough times back of the pantry and pull the older items
financially for our family, times I didn’t know to the front. This way nothing goes bad and
were tight for my family…because there was is wasted.
always food.” ~Kimmy Hughes
TAK EAWAYS:
01. By shopping from your shelves, it can
eliminate going to the store and possibly
going over your grocery budget. If you
do need something like fresh produce,
consider delivery or pick-up to avoid going
in the store.
02. Most stores have sales that run on a

cycle of six, eight, or twelve weeks. Notice
the cycle for the items you buy most.
03. Track what you eat so you can see

a pattern of how often you are buying
ingredients and how much you are going
through.

Shop Your Shelves
kimmy hughes
N OT ES

Living your BEST Life
laura fuentes

Laura shows us how to make sure our 01. Prioritize sleeping a minimum of 7
routines are helping us feel like we are living hours a night. Our bodies repair physically
our best life, which can be hard to do when and mentally during the uninterrupted
dealing with the demands of life. hours of sleep.
QUI CK TI P: 02. Move your body just 20-30 minutes

Celebrate your small wins! You will feel a day if you are just starting out. You
encouraged and will grow. don’t need hours at the gym or expensive
trainers. The best way is to find something
WHAT LAUR A HAS TO SAY: active you can do with your family.
“Something that I’ve learned over a decade…
is that it’s really easy to fall into a rut when 03. Speak to yourself the way you speak
we’re so focused on taking care of everyone to a child when he/she comes to you for
else that we come last without meeting our encouraging advice.
personal needs.” ~Laura Fuentes
04. Eat foods that support your lifestyle
TAK EAWAYS: goals without making drastic changes,
01. Sleep isn’t just the number of hours otherwise, you won’t be able to stick to
you sleep but the quality of sleep you’re them long-term. Cooking your family’s
getting. The most important thing you can favorites with clean ingredients is the
do for yourself and your family is sleep. secret to sticking with healthy eating habits
long term.
02. Our bodies are meant to move.
Working out will not look the same after
kids as it did before.
03. The most important conversations are

the ones happening between our ears. The
reason you are not where you want to be
is because you are not speaking kindly to
yourself. Instead, you are putting yourself
down.
04. Modeling healthy eating habits sets

your kids up for a healthier lifestyle.

Living your BEST Life
laura fuentes
N OT ES

Digital Planner 101
laura smith
SN APSH OT: brands of pencil that work very well with

A few years ago, Laura thought there was no tablet planners.
way she would ever give up her paper and
pen physical planner for a tablet planner. 05. It is very important that your tablet
She finally tried a tablet planner and she planner have the palm rejection feature.
has totally fallen in love with it.
ACT IO N ST EPS:
QUI CK TI P: 01. Play around with your tablet planner
A tablet planner is not an app, it’s not like and get to know its features. The sky is the
Google Calendar. It’s not an app that syncs limit with what they can do.
up with anything else. It is literally like
taking your paper planner and putting it 02. Duplicate pages so you can customize
on your iPad and you literally are able to your tablet planner to exactly what works
take the iPad pencils or the tablet pencils best for you.
and write in it just like you would a physical
planner. 03. You can add as many pages as you
want to your tablet planner because it
WHAT LAUR A HAS TO SAY: doesn’t add any bulk.
“I was a pretty die-hard paper planner girl.
Well, fast forward a little while to a couple 04. Keeping your grocery list on your
of years ago, and I discovered something tablet planner and syncing it with your
new. It is called a digital planner or a tablet phone makes grocery shopping a lot easier.
planner. I fell in love.” ~ Laura Smith
TAK EAWAYS:
01. A tablet planner is not a printable, or a
paper planner or an app.
02. You will need an app like Goodnotes or

Noteshelf to use your Tablet Planner. You
will also need a tablet and a tablet pencil.
03. You want a tablet planner that has a

lot of hyperlinks. Hyperlinks are how you
navigate through the planner.
04. You do not have to have an Apple

pencil. There are some cheaper non-Apple

Digital Planner 101
laura smith
N OT ES

Make an Effective Cleaning
Routine
laurie hise

Laurie gives us her best tips and tricks to 01. Take all the tasks that you know you
establish a cleaning routine that allows our want to do every day and make them into a
home to become manageable every day. routine that you do every morning.
QUI CK TI P: 02. Once a week, have a daily home

Put your phone down. My best days are the project. Pick one day a week for tasks such
ones when I say, “I’m not going to turn that as meal planning, changing sheets, cleaning
phone on until these things are done.” out the fridge, cleaning the bathroom.
WHAT LAUR I E HAS TO SAY: 03. Twice a year, schedule your big
“Be happy with B minus work. If you can do projects such as organizing the linen closet,
the bulk of the work most of the time, that’s cleaning out under the kitchen sink, deep
good enough.” ~Laurie Hise cleaning freezer/refrigerator. If you miss
it, you can get it the next time it comes
TAK EAWAYS: around.
01. As long as you have a routine, it
doesn’t matter if they are done morning 04. Work towards the goal of your house
or evening. Just get into the habit of the always being in a state where you could
routine. easily move if you had to.
02. Enlist your family’s help. Assign each 05. If you do feel completely overwhelmed,
family member a job. go ahead and hire someone to do a deep
clean for you. Then you can maintain it with
03. What you model is more important a routine.
than what you make your kids do.
04. If you miss a cleaning task one week,

it’s okay! Just move forward and you will get
to it next week.
05. Have things handy for cleaning quickly.

Find a mop you love, such as the O’Cedar
Spin Mop.

Make an Effective Cleaning
Routine
laurie hise
N OT ES

How to Maintain an Organized
Space
lisa trigsted
SN APSH OT: 02. Do a weekly reset for your drop

Lisa shares tips and tricks on how to zones (such as the door everyone comes
maintain our organized spaces so we don’t in through). This can be Sunday night
fall back into chaos and overwhelm again. resetting the kids’ backpacks for the new
week.
QUI CK TI P:
By putting systems in place and keeping 03. Keep a donation basket in your closet
them intact, you make it so much easier to so you can keep your clothes edited to only
maintain the space. A system is something things you love and wear.
as simple as a zone in your pantry for
baking. 04. Train yourself to maintain your spaces
by putting alerts on your phone or adding it
WHAT LI SA H AS TO SAY: to your “to do” list.
“If it’s something that’s important to you,
then you’re going to do it when you get to 05. Have a family meeting to let them
that place where you say “I don’t want to live know what you need for them to do to
like this anymore”. ~Lisa Trigsted maintain your organizing systems.
06. Keep your car clean and organized by

TAK EAWAYS:
developing the habit of cleaning it out as
01. One way to put a system in place is
soon as you pull into the garage.
keeping “like with like” in a labeled basket or
bin.
07. Stick to the “one in, one out” rule to
keep your space under control.
02. Once you get a space organized, by
regularly biting off little chunks, you’re not
going to get back to that place of being
completely overwhelmed.
03. When you feel things are getting out of

control, try doing a major reset and
implementing a shopping freeze.
ACT I O N STEP S :
01. Your bin becomes your boundary for
your system. Once it is full, do not add
any more to it until the items are used or
removed.

How to Maintain an Organized
Space
lisa trigsted
N OT ES

Ditch the File Cabinet
lisa woodruff

Lisa teaches us both how and why we 01. The first step is going through all
should completely eliminate our file cabinet your papers and reduce, recycle, and trash
and replace it with just 3-6 binders. everything that you don’t need. Do this by
taking 5-15 files at a time to the kitchen
QUI CK TI P: and sorting them on your counter.
Binders are much more practical to take
with you should you need to evacuate your 02. Sort your paper into binders. There
home in an emergency. are 3 binders that everyone needs. The
household reference binder contains
WHAT LI SA H AS TO SAY: everything related to your home. The
“When you go to eliminate your file cabinet, medical binder is for when you are a
what you’re going to realize is that you’ve caregiver for someone. The financial binder
saved a whole lot of papers that you don’t is for when you are settling a financial
even need. The reason why we save papers estate and other important personal
that we don’t even need is because we don’t documents.
know what we should save and what we
shouldn’t save, so we err on saving it.” ~Lisa 03. There are 3 optional binders you may
Woodruff need. The household operations binder
which contains everything unique to you
TAK EAWAYS: and your family (such as holiday traditions).
01. Files cabinets don’t have any kind of Another is a “warrior mama” binder for
constraint to them versus a binder which children under age 21 that have any special
has a limit to how much it will store for any needs. Lastly, you can have a binder for
one topic. school memories.
02. Binders are portable and can be 04. Update your binders a couple of times
stored where you would actually need the a year so that the information is always up
information it contains. to date and accessible.
03. If you have more papers to shred than

you can handle, any office supply store will
shred them for a small fee.

Ditch the File Cabinet
lisa woodruff
N OT ES

How to Make Labels with Canva
megan duesterhaus
SN APSH OT: 02. The tools on the left are the main ones
Megan gives us a basic introduction to used to create your labels. There are many
Canva as well as teaching us to make labels preloaded templates, elements, and frames
from templates and from scratch, and then to use. Search “label” to pull up a variety of
how to print our labels. label templates.
QUI CK TI P: 03. To make another label, click on

It is important to label so we know what duplicate to duplicate the slide. All you need
is located where and to give us a visual to do is type in the next label title.
reminder to put things back in their place.
04. To make labels from scratch, start
WHAT MEG AN H AS TO SAY: with the shape options. Select your colors.
“In the last 15 years I have moved into eight Search for elements you would like to add.
different homes. In every organization Search for fonts for your text.
project, I am certain to install a beautiful
and functional label.” ~Megan Duesterhaus 05. One option for printing is to export as
a png file. In canva, open 8.5 x 11 printable
size shape. Drop back in the png files you
TAK EAWAYS:
just exported. Adjust to desired size. Justify
01. Just because a template is labeled
them all to each side. In download menu,
something specific, such as “Paper Clips”,
select pdf print. Print the pdf from your
it doesn’t mean you have to use that title.
home printer.
Canva allows you to change it to whatever
you’d like.
02. Every element in the template is

changeable – color, size, text, font, etc. You
can even delete them or rotate.
03. Design your label as much as you can

before you start duplicating as it is more
difficult to make changes afterward.
ACT I O N STEP S :
01. Use the Resize menu for presets for
common graphic sizes or manually type in
any size you need.

How to Make Labels with Canva
megan duesterhaus
N OT ES

Time Management Tips
for Women
megan sumrell

Are you feeling overwhelmed? Frazzled? 01. Pick one central place where you will
Juggling too many things? Megan will teach write down anything you think of that needs
us how to create harmony in all parts of our to be done or anything someone asks you
life, no matter what our life looks like. to do. It’s important that there is only one
place you where you will write this.
QUI CK TI P:
Busy doesn’t always mean you’re 02. Ask yourself, based on your lifestyle, if
productive. We have to prioritize and your Command Center should be digital or
manage our time to be productive. paper. After you decide, start centralizing all
that information.
WHAT MEG AN H AS TO SAY:
“A planner is not going to help you from 03. Apply structure to how you’re planning
getting overwhelmed if you don’t have the your time by using time blocking. Time
right systems and processes in place, so blocking can either be task-based or role-
that you know how to effectively manage based.
your time.” ~Megan Sumrell
04. Establish a weekly planning process.
TAK EAWAYS: This keeps us from getting over-scheduled
01. A Command Center is simply where and over-committed.
you can go that tells you where you need
to be and what you need to be doing at any 05. Establish a morning routine with the
given moment. It cannot be your phone as right combination of things that will fill your
the screen is too small. cup before you step into the zone of serving
others.
02. When we operate in a daily planning
mode, you are already in reaction mode. You
are responding to what is in front of you,
which is just today.
03. How you start your day will determine

how your days goes, whether you will
control the day or you will react to the day.

Time Management Tips
for Women
megan sumrell
N OT ES

Decluttering - Where Do I Even
Start?
melanie renee
SN APSH OT: 02. Imagine yourself in the video doing the

Decluttering can be a difficult task if we re-organizing or decluttering. When you see
are a pack rat or have hoarding disorder. yourself doing it, it starts to take the fear
As a recovering hoarder herself, Melanie away.
will walk us through getting started with
decluttering. 03. Find your self-worth in your heart
vs. things, through positive affirmations.
QUI CK TI P: Get a journal to write down the positive
Hoarding is a mental disorder. We have to affirmations daily.
stop looking at the stuff and look at the
mentality. 04. Find the smallest area in the house
and imagine yourself decluttering and
WHAT MELAN IE H AS TO SAY: feeling happy in this beautiful space.
“I have hoarding disorder and I’m recovering
in it as well…I will create such an emotional 05. When you begin actual decluttering,
attachment to so many things because just declutter one thing a day, and develop
it eases my anxiety so that I can function that habit.
throughout my day. There are ways for us to
reverse all of it.” ~Melanie Renee 06. Pick the smallest space in your house
to start working in. This allows you to build
confidence to move to larger spaces.
TAK EAWAYS:
01. Even if you don’t physically declutter
07. Find an accountability partner or
right away, doing it in your mind starts to
group for support and encouragement.
feel good as if you are doing it.
02. When you store self-worth into

physical things, and then you get rid of the
item, it feels like a piece of you is gone.
03. It doesn’t matter if you declutter one

thing or 100 things. You are establishing a
habit and building the decluttering muscle.
ACT I O N STEP S :
01. Watch decluttering and organizing
videos. Watching others declutter eases
overwhelm, guilt, and shame.

Decluttering - Where Do I Even
Start?
melanie renee
N OT ES

Tackling Your Nightmare
Decluttering Project
melissa james

Melissa walks us through the basics of 01. Set a goal or vision for the space. It
decluttering any space, and then gives us could be “family functional” if the area is
seven power tips to help us finally tackle our not going to be visible by many people or
nightmare decluttering project. it could be pretty with matching baskets in
main areas of your home.
QUI CK TI P:
If you don’t know which area you want to 02. Get inspired. Check out Instagram,
focus on, do a quick assessment. Those watch organizing TV shows, attend Get
areas that are nearing “hoarder” status are Organized HQ Virtual and join the Facebook
going to be your nightmare decluttering group.
projects.
03. Start with the easiest items to make
WHAT MELI S SA HAS TO SAY: decisions about. Something like a pantry
“For over 20 years I have worked for a variety has no sentimental attachments and is a
of companies creating systems to help smaller space.
people accomplish goals, get organized,
and be efficient. And I believe you can use 04. Manage your energy and not your time.
these same methods for your home to run Know what drains you and what sustains
efficiently.” ~Melissa James you. Keep working based on your energy
level, not what time it is.
TAK EAWAYS:
01. The 5 steps to decluttering are discard 05. Work on your project at the most
as much as possible, sort things into convenient time such as during a rain storm
categories, plan your space, contain like when you are stuck inside, or when the kids
items together, and then label. are down for a nap.
02. Save the most draining task for last.

Otherwise, it might derail you from finishing
because you’re immediately overwhelmed.
03. Make it fun! Invite a friend over to help

or listen to an audio book or music.

Tackling Your Nightmare
Decluttering Project
melissa james
N OT ES

Plan Ahead for Health
melissa lanz

Whether or not you enjoy cooking, Melissa 01. There are several ways to plan ahead.
shares three tips to help us to plan ahead You can use a meal plan service, do a recipe
for health. search, look through cookbooks, and use a
pen and paper to grid out your week and list
QUI CK TI P: your meals. Bring in a family favorite or two
Use glass containers. If your family can see every week.
the food, they will be more likely to eat it.
02. Post your meal plan where the family
WHAT MELI S SA HAS TO SAY: can see it. It reduces stress and can give
“Every goal needs a plan, and sometimes I the family something they can look forward
think because we eat every day we forget to.
that it takes a little bit of planning.”
~Melissa Lanz 03. Prep ahead dips and sauces to make
snacks and salads easier. You can also prep
TAK EAWAYS: any grains and pastas you will be using for
01. Planning ahead, knowing what is on the week to save an extra 10-20 minutes.
your schedule for the week is the best
way to stay on track. Not planning for the 04. Roast and bake ahead any meats that
activities of the week result in ordering you can later mix in pastas, rice, or salads
take-out which leads to not making good later.
choices.
02. When you plan and prep, you get a

visual guide for how you are doing (ex:
staying hydrated) and what your next steps
might need to be.
03. Toss pre-made pasta with a little olive

oil to keep it from sticking together.
04. Glass containers are essential for

portion control and planning for leftovers.
05. Use Mason jars to prep salads. Layer

it by putting the hardier ingredients at the
bottom adding less hardy ingredients as
you get to the top.

Plan Ahead for Health
melissa lanz
N OT ES

Cleaning Your Bathroom Like a Pro
melissa maker

Melissa shares with us the tips and tricks 01. Start with pretreating the toilet and
she teaches her own staff to get the most tub/ shower /tiles first. Let those areas sit
efficient and effective cleaning done in the while you move on to pretreat the sink and
least amount of time. counters.
QUI CK TI P: 02. Next, spray down the mirror. With a

Squeegee your shower after every use. This microfiber cloth, wipe down the mirror in an
gets rid of any water residue left behind S pattern from top to bottom, left to right,
that could leave soap scum, mold, or for a streak-free shine.
mildew.
03. Move back to counters and starting at
WHAT MELI S SA HAS TO SAY: one side, use the same S pattern to sweep
“What you should know about me is that any debris down to the floor. Remember to
I hate cleaning. I don’t want to spend one clean around faucets.
more minute doing it than I absolutely
have to, which is why I’m looking forward to 04. The toilet is next. Using a paper towel,
sharing with you these bathroom cleaning start at the top and wipe down all surfaces.
tips.” ~ Melissa Maker Then take your scrub brush and start
scrubbing at the rim of the bowl and work
TAK EAWAYS: down to the shoot. Flush, and rinse brush,
01. Have a plan of attack. Pick a starting closing the lid down to hold it in place to
point and work your way around the room. dry.
You want the sink to be the last thing you
clean since you will use it while cleaning the 05. Using a wet, non-scratch sponge, work
rest of the room. in sections, starting at the top, wiping down
in the sink in the same S pattern. Don’t
02. Remove as much as possible from the forget to wipe the faucet. Pretreat the tub
space, such as rugs, trash cans, towels, and with the same product you used for the
bottles and place just outside the bathroom shower, and let it sit for a few minutes. Use
door. the same method to clean with the sponge.
Rinse the shower/tub with the shower head
03. Pretreating is important. Read the and buff dry with microfiber cloth.
back of the cleaner to see how long the
product needs to sit and work. It needs to
stay wet, so you may need to re-spray if it
starts to dry.

Cleaning Your Bathroom Like a Pro
melissa maker
N OT ES

Common Decluttering Challenges
melissa russell
SN APSH OT: 05. Decluttering is a skill you get better

Melissa shares with us 14 common at the more you do it. It’s normal to take
challenges we face when decluttering and multiple rounds of decluttering.
exactly what to do to overcome them so we
can reach our decluttering goals. ACT IO N ST EPS:
01. Don’t wait for motivation. It may never
QUI CK TI P: come. Have a plan and just start. Find ways
Small consistent actions add up. Declutter to make decluttering fun. You can listen to
a little each day or as you go about your day. your favorite music or challenge a family
member to a decluttering contest.
WHAT MELI S SA HAS TO SAY:
“As an introvert and highly sensitive person, 02. Don’t wait for “perfect”. Start with one
home is my favorite place to be, so I’m small task in an easy area and build your
thankful that decluttering and simplifying decluttering skills.
have allowed me to create a home that feels
nourishing to me and gives me the freedom 03. Don’t let feelings of guilt keep you
to spend my time and energy on what I love trapped into keeping clutter. If it was a
most.” ~Melissa Russell gift, focus on the purpose of the gift. If
the gift was given in love, and you showed
TAK EAWAYS: appreciation, the purpose of the gift was
01. When you clear the clutter, you’ll fulfilled.
spend less time managing your home and
taking care of the “stuff”, freeing up time for 04. When decluttering sentimental items,
more important things. take pictures of the items or repurpose
them.
02. Research your options before you
declutter. Research donation and re-sell 05. When decluttering items from your
centers and find out what they accept and past, remember that season of life, but
their hours. acknowledge that life is different now.
03. Keeping something “just in case” is

often fear of regret or not having enough.
04. You can’t organize clutter. It’s just a

temporary solution that doesn’t get to the
root of the problem.

Common Decluttering Challenges
melissa russell
N OT ES

Start Living the Fit Mom Life
michelle marie
SN APSH OT: 04. Doing things on a recurring basis is

Michelle Marie knows how hard it is to the best way to set yourself up for success.
practice self-care when you have so many Set reminders and alarms on your phone.
things on your plate. She will show us easy
ways to start living the fit mom life. ACT IO N ST EPS:
01. The first step is to acknowledge that
QUI CK TI P: you would like to work on yourself. It’s not
None of us have time. We are all busy. If we being selfish to take care of yourself.
wait to work on ourselves when we have
time, we will never do it. You have to create 02. Write down a specific goal for yourself-
the time and prioritize it. lose 10 lbs, lower your blood pressure, have
more energy, or cook healthier meals.
WHAT MI CH E L L E H AS TO SAY:
“I know how much health, fitness, 03. Eat a protein, healthy carb, healthy fat
confidence, and energy can affect a mom’s and some vegetables every 2-4 hours.
life. I have seen it positively affect every
single part of a mom’s life from marriages, 04. Exercise early in the day before life
to work, to friendships, to energy, to health, begins and distractions start.
and pretty much everything.” ~Michelle
Marie 05. Drink more water. You should set a
goal to drink half of your body weight in
TAK EAWAYS: ounces of water.
01. To speed metabolism and burn
calories, eliminate or diminish foods that
cause inflammation (dairy, gluten, artificial
sweeteners, alcohol, sugar, and processed
fat).
02. Meal planning and prepping are key.

Write these down as appointments in your
planner that you commit to keeping.
03. If you make a double batch of a meal,

you’ll have one for dinner, and the second
can be lunch the next day.

Start Living the Fit Mom Life
michelle marie
N OT ES

Get Organized in Case of
Emergency
myrtle marie

If something happened to you, would 01. Organize all important documents
someone be able to find your important such as life insurance policies, your Will,
documents? Myrtle guides us through the birth certificates, etc. Put all of these
steps of getting organized in the event of documents (or copies) together or write out
an emergency or our death. where they can be found.
QUI CK TI P: 02. Organize important accounts. Make

Make sure you let someone you truly trust copies of all your bills, write down account
know where all this information can be numbers, list if any accounts have recurring
found if something were to happen. payments, and write down all digital
accounts and passwords.
WHAT MY RTL E H AS TO SAY:
“Your loved ones will thank you for this. If 03. Write down all the passwords to
something were to happen to you, they all of your accounts- online accounts,
don’t want to spend countless hours trying social media, streaming services, phone,
to tie up all the loose ends.” ~Myrtle Marie computer, tablets, shopping accounts.
TAK EAWAYS: 04. List all important contacts- family,

01. Check your State guidelines for Will friends, doctors, contacts for your children,
requirements. There are websites where you etc.
can download templates. Some States even
accept handwritten Wills. 05. Organize all your family’s medical
records.
02. See if your State offers Transfer-on-
Death deeds. It’s an alternative to 06. Include any final wishes you have.
transferring real estate after your death to
avoid probate court.
03. Consider having automobiles titled

as Joint with Right of Survivorship. If one
person dies, the other partner owns 100% of
the automobile.

Get Organized in Case of
Emergency
myrtle marie
N OT ES

Beautifully Organized Home/
Work Life
nikki boyd
SN APSH OT: 02. Create an everyday caddy in the

Nikki shares with us several nuggets to help bathroom of things you actually touch every
us create a stress-free environment in our single day.
home and in our office.
03. Have a “forget me not” basket by the
QUI CK TI P: front door. Anything anyone needs before
Laughter relieves stress. One thing you can they leave in the morning will be right there
do at the end of the day is find a video, or ready to go.
recall a funny memory, and have a good
laugh before you go back into your home. 04. Don’t check work emails before you
start your day.
WHAT NI K KI HAS TO SAY:
“It’s really important when you’re 05. Have an organized work desk that
implementing systems for your work and functions well for you. Minimize the amount
your home life that you think about those of things on top of the desk.
things that are going to save you time,
money, and stress.” ~Nikki Boyd 06. Before you leave for the day, clean off
and reset your desk.
TAK EAWAYS:
07. Have weekly family meetings.
01. Organize jewelry and clothes by color
to save time trying to filter through all of
your pieces.
02. Consider having pre-made breakfasts

such as overnight oats, overnight grits,
breakfast casserole, or parfaits.
03. Start the day with self-care for about

10-15 minutes. That could be reading
scripture, a self-help book, or watching
something that inspires you or makes you
laugh.
ACT I O N STEP S :
01. Create a great morning routine by
eliminating the amount of things you have
to think about.

Beautifully Organized Home/
Work Life
nikki boyd
N OT ES

Letting Go of Sentimental Items
nina anders
SN APSH OT: 02. If an item’s perceived value is keeping

It’s hard to let go of sentimental items. Nina you from letting it go, take the time to look
helps us decide what to keep, what we can up its value or have it appraised.
repurpose, and how to let go of some of our
sentimental pieces. 03. Sometimes we can gift items to
another member of the family who will
QUI CK TI P: appreciate it.
Create a memory box to contain special
items. This will help you prioritize the things 04. When sorting, sort out the easy “yes”
you cherish most. and “no” items first. Spend some time on
the “maybe” items. You can put those in a
WHAT NI NA HAS TO SAY: box, date them, and if you don’t ever come
“I found that by letting go of some things, back to that box, those items are most
and keeping the things that I really loved, I likely “no” items that you can give to charity.
created a life for myself and my family that is
filled with love and joy.” ~Nina Anders 05. Take photos of items and make a
scrapbook, including a story about the item.
Then you can get rid of some or all of the
TAK EAWAYS:
items.
01. While we placed value on collecting
china and keeping the chair grandpa made,
we have to realize the younger generation is
much more focused on experiences rather
than things.
02. It may be easier to let an item go if we

consider how many reminders of them we
already have.
03. If you get the sense that a family

member is not interested in what you are
trying to give them, don’t put pressure on
them to take it.
ACT I O N STEP S :
01. Consider giving your items to a loved
one now. Sometimes after you pass, those
items never make it to the one who wanted
it. Let them enjoy it now.

Letting Go of Sentimental Items
nina anders
N OT ES

Organizing Products to Transform
Your Home
rachel rosenthal
SN APSH OT: of any room. They come in multiple sizes to

Rachel teaches us how to use organizing mix and match. They are also wipeable.
products to achieve not only a magazine -
worthy home, but to help reinforce the ACT IO N ST EPS:
systems we create so they are easier to 01. Decide what material will work best
maintain. for the space. Do you want something clear
where you can see what is inside? Or do you
QUI CK TI P: want something that keeps the contents
Deciding what organizing products hidden? Also consider color and textures.
you want to use comes after you have
categorized and decluttered. 02. Consider where the storage products
will be kept. For example, will it need to
WHAT R ACH E L H AS TO SAY: stand up to water in a bathroom?
“My philosophy is rooted in the belief that
organization can be achieved by all. I really 03. Take into account the size of the
believe that organization is just not about storage item and the space it’s going into
your physical space, but your mental well- as well as the size of the items being stored.
being as well.” ~Rachel Rosenthal
04. Make sure your bins fit the space
TAK EAWAYS: properly by not hanging off the edge or
01. Be careful not to make too leaving a lot of dead space.
many categories. There is a risk of
overcomplicating your system.
02. Unless you have custom organizers,

you will most likely have drawers with some
dead space. Put them to use! For example,
in a kitchen drawer, store a knife there.
03. Drawer dividers are a top organizing

product because of their versatility. They
come in a variety of sizes and materials.
04. Shoe boxes are great for more than

just shoes. They help protect against dust,
are see through, and they stack.
05. Acrylic drawer bins will work in drawers

Organizing Products to Transform
Your Home
rachel rosenthal
N OT ES

Home Décor Subscription Boxes
the pink envelope
SN APSH OT: 06. Gatherberry Goods is a hostess

Samantha explains just how home décor program. In the box are items for hosting a
subscription boxes work and shows us party such as an apron, recipe cards, napkin
how easy and affordable they make it to wraps, napkins, notepad, serving plates, and
decorate our homes each season. placemats.

Subscription boxes are great for people who 01. Have a bin for each season’s décor
don’t feel confident with decorating. items to make it easy to switch out the
décor as the seasons change.
WHAT SAMA N T H A HAS TO SAY:
“It started about five years ago when I was 02. Use the subscription box’s Buy, Sell,
using these different boxes to automate my Trade groups to sell or trade items you
life. It allowed me to save time…save money… don’t like or need. You can also use them as
and it allowed me to stay completely gifts for friends.
organized.” ~The Pink Envelope
03. Use the booklet in the Decocrated box
TAK EAWAYS: to see photos of ways to use the items you
01. The benefits of subscription boxes received.
are they are budget friendly, the items all
coordinate, and the boxes build upon each 04. You can cancel subscription boxes at
other. any time, but most also offer skipping a
month or pausing.
02. The Decocrated box comes with a
booklet showing you how to decorate with
the items in the box.
03. Often pillow cases are included making

it easy to own only 1-2 pillows and just swap
out the case.
04. Each subscription box has a signature

item, such as the pillow case, or greenery,
that makes them different.
05. There are boxes that fit all styles of

decorating.

Home Décor Subscription Boxes
the pink envelope
N OT ES

Home Renovation Tips
sara mcdaniel
SN APSH OT: pop up. Most problems will be able to be

Sara shares with us how she got into real detected early on.
estate investing and renovation and gives
us tips to get started ourselves. ACT IO N ST EPS:
01. Research Angie’s List and ask for
QUI CK TI P: recommendations for subcontractors to do
While this is not the time currently to the renovations under you as the general
build a new home from scratch, it’s a great contractor.
time to move ahead with restorations and
renovations. 02. Reduce your spending and living
expenses (Sara cut by 50%) to save money
WHAT SAR A HAS TO SAY: to invest in real estate. This can be done by
“There are definitely ways, no matter what deciding not to buy new clothes for a year
your income limitations are or are not, that or getting rid of your TV if you find you really
you can start investing in real estate.” ~Sara don’t watch. Look around for things you
McDaniel won’t miss if you let them go for a time.
TAK EAWAYS: 03. Do as much as you can in cash. Put the

01. You don’t have to turn property into a money you make from rental properties to
traditional rental. You can also turn it into the side to invest in the next property.
an AirB&B property.
04. Only do one house at a time.
02. Make your front door pop with an
unexpected color like yellow or pink.
03. Get inspiration from Pinterest and

Instagram and don’t be afraid to take a risk.
04. Find your “go to” brands of paint and

products as well as “go to” contractors. It
makes decision making and budgeting so
much easier.
05. Try as best as you can to look over the

property carefully for any problems that
arise so you can get an accurate budget. It’s
not always like a show on HGTV where you
will have huge unexpected expenses that

Home Renovation Tips
sara mcdaniel
N OT ES

Decluttering Before Your Move
sarah mueller

Nothing can be more motivating than 01. Ask yourself if the item will fit into your
moving to declutter our homes! Sarah new home. Will this physically fit through
teaches us five questions we can ask the doorway or into the intended room?
ourselves to help us decide what to keep Does it fit with the feel, theme, or style of
and what to get rid of. your new home?
QUI CK TI P: 02. Decide if the item will survive the trip

Try to stretch yourself just a little bit and to a new home. Some old pieces of furniture
see if you can let just one more thing go. may not be sturdy enough or too worn out
Your back will thank you when you are to survive a move. It also may not look the
unpacking those boxes! way you would like in the new house.
WHAT SAR AH HAS TO SAY: 03. Evaluate if the cost of moving an

“Moving is a fresh start…you’re willing to let item will be more than buying the item
things go, so you want to take advantage again new. Moving companies evaluate the
of that when it happens and use it for extra weight of moving your home and if an item
motivation.” ~ Sarah Mueller will increase the cost or require a larger
or additional truck, it may be more cost
TAK EAWAYS: effective to buy a replacement after you
01. Don’t allow your possessions to hang move.
around longer than they need to because
you’re trying to hang on to something you 04. When deciding to keep or toss items
used to be, or your kids used to be. such as clothing, appliances, or seasonal
decor ask yourself if you would purchase
02. While it may be hard to let go of it again in its current condition. If you
some things, such as items our children wouldn’t, it’s probably time to let it go.
have outgrown, think how it may benefit
someone else who can use the item right 05. Ask yourself if the item still fits in
now. your current lifestyle. This applies to items
used for hobbies, sports, or other activities
03. Special things are usually limited in you or your children no longer enjoy or
number, like a small collection, not a room participate in.
full of things. When a room or basement
is filled with “special” things, it’s not
something that can be easily enjoyed or
appreciated.

Decluttering Before Your Move
sarah mueller
N OT ES

Stop These Clutter Excuses
sarah settanni

Sarah reviews the different excuses we 01. When considering keeping something
make about our clutter and how we can for the future, think about what makes
switch up that thinking so we can take sense in the short-term phase rather than
action and move forward. saving everything.
QUI CK TI P: 02. When we believe an item is valuable,

Don’t do nothing because you can’t do ask yourself if someone would purchase it
everything. Do something. at the price we think it’s worth?
WHAT SAR AH HAS TO SAY: 03. When struggling to let go of an item

“We’ve all been there. You’re making some that holds memories, you can take a picture
progress with decluttering…when all of a of the item or have a decluttering journal.
sudden it comes crashing to a halt because
you are not able to move past a certain 04. Be aware of marketing strategies that
item…and we make these excuses for are designed to make us feel like we “need”
ourselves…”wait, don’t declutter that yet.” certain items.
~Sarah Settanni
04. Communicate to your family what you
TAK EAWAYS: would like to be passed down and find out
01. Saying we will need something in the what items they would like.
future is often rooted in our fantasy selves,
someone we wish we were.
02. We tend to perceive our items to be

more valuable than they actually are.
03. Our memories are within us. We don’t

always have to have a physical token to
remember something.
04. We all value different things, and so

what we value will shape what types of
things we will hold on to.
05. Younger generations are not valuing a

high volume of collections as much as older
generations.

Stop These Clutter Excuses
sarah settanni
N OT ES

Complete Paper Organization
sharon rowe
SN APSH OT: 02. Create a filing system that is easy and

Sharon gives us the tools we need to tackle comfortable to use. Use a file cabinet or
the paper clutter and finally get it under binder depending on what you like and the
control one day at a time. space in your home.
QUI CK TI P: 03. Only file paperwork you need to keep.

Don’t be embarrassed. Start where you are Nothing else. Gather it all up in one place so
and move forward. We’ve all been there. it can be sorted. File in categories, and then
by date with newest on top or at the front.
WHAT SH ARO N HAS TO SAY:
“This isn’t something that’s done once and 04. Each day take a small handful of paper
it’s done forever. It’s something you have to and pull out what needs to be recycled.
work on every single day.” ~Sharon Rowe Then look for items that need action. File
what is left. Start again tomorrow. Only
spend 15-20 minutes a day doing this.
TAK EAWAYS:
01. Don’t try to tackle the paper clutter in
05. Get rid of instruction manuals for
one sitting. You’ll need to give your brain a
items you no longer have, or if they are
break between sessions.
available online. For ones you do keep, place
them in a folder just for manuals.
02. If mail that requires action will take
less than 5 minutes, take care of it right
06. Consider paperless billing to reduce
away.
paper clutter.
03. Make sure a file system works for you
before spending a lot of money on new
products.
04. Always remove personal information

from paper that you are recycling.
ACT I O N STEP S :
01. Tackle the mail when it arrives. If you
don’t have time right away, make sure you
deal with it before you go to bed. Recycle it,
take action, or file it.

Complete Paper Organization
sharon rowe
N OT ES

Motherhood Transition
shawni pothier

Shawni talks to us about how to work 01. Recognize and move with the shifts
through the transition in motherhood when and turns of mothering. This is the time
our children are leaving the nest, and how when we have to let them fly or let them
to continue our own growth and learning. fail. We need to be cheerleaders in the
stands instead of coaches on the field.
QUI CK TI P:
We need to come up with a game plan that 02. It’s never too late to work on
helps us feel fulfilled and like we are using relationships. Always put your spouse first.
our unique gifts and abilities. Having that great relationship with your
spouse is the best thing you can do for your
WHAT SH AWN I HAS TO SAY: child.
“As our kids grow up and change and morph
into their own unique people, and we do 03. Take steps to move forward. We don’t
sort of work ourselves out of a job, with each have to take huge steps. The little steps will
new stage we realize the parameters have do. This applies to big things like “what am I
changed and we need to figure out a new going to do with my life” to small things like
game plan.” ~Shawni Pothier learning to solve a Rubik’s cube.
TAK EAWAYS: 04. Keep going! Find a friend or partner

01. We are not past the growth stage. who you can be accountable to with your
There are many famous people who didn’t goals. They will help you to keep going.
get their start until later in life.
02. Human connection is a basic need

whether you are introverted or extroverted.
They don’t just happen. We need to put
work into them.
03. Learn all your life. Learn from failures

and successes. Take time for inward looks at
how we’re doing.
04. Whether we succeed or fail, it’s all up

to the experiences we have in life. Surround
yourself with people who love and support
you.

Motherhood Transition
shawni pothier
N OT ES

Color Outside the Lines
shelby abrahamsen
SN APSH OT: down 3-5 things that don’t really contribute

Shelby shows us how creativity and art can to your life in a big meaningful way that you
positively affect your life, how to address do for at least one hour every week. Think
obstacles that might be getting in your of ways to reduce the time you spend on
way, and some exercises to bring out your those.
creativity.
02. Find the joy in the process of creating
QUI CK TI P: and stop worrying about the result. Make
Everyone has the spark of creativity in art like a kid. Color outside the lines. Make a
them. Everyone can make and create mess.
something.
03. You don’t need fancy, expensive
WHAT SH ELBY HAS TO SAY: supplies. Look around for some cheaper
“I was stuck by this feeling of inadequacy, options to start practicing and honing your
that I wasn’t good enough... I was so afraid skills. The supplies don’t make the art. The
of making mistakes that I would just not artist makes the art.
do anything at all. After years of working on
myself…I am now a full-time artist.” ~Shelby 04. Don’t be afraid of making mistakes and
Abrahamsen wasting supplies. Tell yourself “done, not
perfect”. Making mistakes is how we grow,
learn, and improve.
TAK EAWAYS:
01. Studies have shown art can be helpful
with symptoms of depression, anxiety,
self-esteem issues, and grief.
02. Talent is not a magical gift given to

just a few. Talent is curiosity plus practice.
03. The point of art is not to be the best,

but how it makes you feel.
04. If you worry what people think about

your art, realize people care less than you
are imagining.
ACT I O N STEP S :
01. If you feel you don’t have time to
create, look for little chunks of time. Write

Color Outside the Lines
shelby abrahamsen
N OT ES

Routines that Work
sophie largen
SN APSH OT: 03. Include a quick night tidy. Focus on the

Sophie shares with us how morning and most important area, such as the kitchen.
evening routines can work in conjunction
to make the most productive day you can 04. Know what needs to get done
have. tomorrow. Review your schedule and make
a to-do list.
QUI CK TI P:
It’s not about perfection. It’s about what 05. Take time to reflect. What went well?
will work for you. What can you do better tomorrow?
WHAT SO P H IE H AS TO SAY: 06. Start the day off right. Make your bed.
“Make a commitment to yourself Get ready. Set up your work space for the
Implementing these routines is not easy. It’s day.
not just going to happen…Give it at least 30
days.” ~Sophie Largen 07. Take care of yourself by eating a
healthy breakfast and exercise if that feels
best for you.
TAK EAWAYS:
01. When you do something over and over
08. Review your to-do list and create a
again, it becomes second nature, which
vision for the rest of your day.
will reduce your stress so you don’t have to
think about it every time you do it.
02. You don’t have to be an early riser to

have a good morning and night routine.
03. Do your hard tasks first when your

energy level is at its highest, around 30-60
minutes after waking up.
ACT I O N STEP S :
01. Starting with a night routine, get a
good night’s sleep. Put the screens away.
Try relaxing stretches or anything that will
help you wind down.
02. Make as many decisions about

tomorrow the night before to make the
morning easier.

Routines that Work
sophie largen
N OT ES

How to Organize Photos
stefanie childs

Stefanie shares with us how to get our 01. Set a date on your calendar to go
photos off of our phones and get them through your phone’s photos deleting
organized. all the ones you don’t need as well as
duplicates.
QUI CK TI P:
Make sure your phone is synced to the 02. Go into the cloud and download
cloud to avoid losing everything should your photos to a folder on your computer
something happen to you phone. monthly.
WHAT STEFA N IE HAS TO SAY: 03. Use the album feature on your phone,
“If you don’t have a picture of a memory, such as the album for screenshots, to help
you’re going to forget it…When you’re you sort through what you need and don’t
thinking about photos, think of them in need quicker.
different ways because it’s documenting
your life.” ~Stefanie Childs 04. Print your favorite pictures. Digital
pictures can get deleted and sometimes
TAK EAWAYS: rarely looked at again. Have a separate
01. If you’re looking for a camera that’s folder on your computer labeled “Print” to
a step above your phone, try the Olympus make this easier.
OM-D. This allows more storage than your
phone, but it is harder to fit into a purse to 05. To digitally organize, begin by making
carry with you. yearly folders, followed by sub-categories
such as events or family members.
02. Shooting photos with your phone is
the most convenient option, especially if 06. Treat your photos like you would
you want to share photos, but it will fill your important documents. If they are lost,
phone memory quickly. they’re lost forever.
03. It’s a good idea to not only store

photos in the cloud, but also store on an
external hard drive as an extra backup.
04. Make sure to get family pictures made.

Often moms take the pictures and are rarely
in them.

How to Organize Photos
stefanie childs
N OT ES

Progress Not Perfection
steph
SN APSH OT: 02. Divide the daily routine into morning

Steph walks us through the process from and evening. Morning routines will consist
being a secret slob who is overwhelmed to of tasks that will serve you throughout the
being calm, organized, and peaceful. day. Tasks in your evening routine will serve
you the next morning.
QUI CK TI P:
Throw away the idea that there is a system 03. Pick three tasks to get done in the
out there that is going to make your life morning and three tasks for the evening.
easy and perfect without any troubles. These will be your core habits that make the
biggest impact in your day.
WHAT STEPH HAS TO SAY:
“I felt like being messy and being a slob was 04. Incorporate a daily focus. This task
just a part of who I was, but it really wasn’t. will change every day and will take 5-15
It doesn’t have to be a part of who you are minutes. During this time you take care of
either.” ~Steph all the things that have to do with one area
of your life.
TAK EAWAYS:
05. Tackle deep cleaning a little bit every
01. Every system is going to take constant
day. If you do this consistently, your house
tweaking and changing as we go. Life is
will be consistently cleaner. Do this 15
always changing and we need to be flexible.
minutes a day or one hour once a week.
02. It never works to copy someone else’s
routines because we are all so different. We
may live different places, have more people
in the family, have pets, have a different
work schedule, etc.
03. Resist starting with a massive

declutter and deep cleaning. If you don’t
have your systems in place first, your home
will soon go back to the way it was before.
ACT I O N STEP S :
01. Having a daily routine is the one thing
that will make the biggest difference. Take
those nagging daily tasks and turn them
into habitual routines.

Progress Not Perfection
steph
N OT ES

Life Made Simple Kitchen Planner
stephanie sikora
SN APSH OT: opportunity to see what items are not

Stephanie helps us have an organized getting used.
kitchen by teaching us a three-step system
of Simplify, Systematize, and Sustain. ACT IO N ST EPS:
01. Pull everything out of the space. For
QUI CK TI P: each item decide if you want to keep it in its
Before you begin to organize, you need to current zone, store in another zone, or let it
consider what the goal is for your kitchen. go (donate/trash).
WHAT STEPH A N IE HAS TO SAY: 02. Systemize the zone by finding the
“When we have an organized kitchen, we appropriate home for things. For example,
have more efficiencies, we save time, we spices are best stored horizontally in a
save money, and as a mom of two small drawer where it can be found and put away
girls, I know firsthand how important it is.” easily.
~Stephanie Sikora
03. Next you want to prevent your space
TAK EAWAYS: from being overrun by clutter all over again.
01. As you begin to simplify, grab a box or Do this by periodically going through the
bag for each category of keep, store in area and letting go of things you no longer
another zone, and trash/donate. use. Use the “one in, one out” rule.
02. Reserve the prime real estate around

your stove for regularly used items.
03. Pare down dishes to what you

actually need. As a guide, look at how
many dishes are already in the cabinet
when you are putting dishes away. This is
how many you do not use.
04. In addition to having all your lunch

making supplies in one place, your system
could include preparing the food items
in advance to keep the process running
smoothly.
05. Each event or holiday that you pull

out your entertainment pieces is an

Life Made Simple Kitchen Planner
stephanie sikora
N OT ES

14 Tips to Stay Motivated
suzi whitford
SN APSH OT: 02. Check your diet. Eat more of the foods
Suzi and John give us tips to stay motivated that make you feel good and avoid foods
and confident as we tackle our day-to-day that make you crash or feel sluggish.
life and dealing with daily stresses.
03. Before you go to bed, prioritize three
QUI CK TI P: things that will make a difference in your
Think of what you can do today to make mindset. When you wake up the next
your future self proud. morning, tackle those three things.
WHAT SUZ I H AS TO SAY: 04. Wear your favorite outfit that makes
“(These tips) have helped us over the you feel good. Get rid of any clothes that
years with our parenting style, and raising don’t make you feel great.
three beautiful little kids, and growing our
businesses, and just dealing with the stress 05. Think about the triggers that bring
of day-to-day life.” ~Suzi Whitford you down and cause you to lose motivation
and confidence. If possible, remove those
triggers.
TAK EAWAYS:
01. Taking the time for daily exercise will
06. Create your vision board. Go online,
wake up your brain getting you ready to
get pictures or draw it out. Put it where you
conquer the day.
can see it every day to be reminded of your
goal.
02. Having a goal and purpose for the
day will help you reset your mind to have a
07. Go help someone. When you are down,
better attitude about the things you need
helping someone will help you put your
to do.
problems in perspective.
03. When we allow overwhelm or other
things to prevent us from moving forward
with what we need to be doing, we are
not making the world better for the next
generation.
ACT I O N STEP S :
01. Listen to “power” music. It can lift the
mood, not only for yourself, but your family,
too.

14 Tips to Stay Motivated
suzi whitford
N OT ES

Decorating Made Easy
tamara harris

Tamara will walk us through the process 01. Discover your design. Take the time to
of making decorating easy and also stop work through what has worked in the past,
us from second guessing our decorating how you live now, and how you will use the
decisions. space. Decide how you want the space to
function. What will the room be used for? If
QUI CK TI P: it’s multi-purposed, decide what zones you
Only buy décor items that you love. If you will have.
are unsure, don’t buy it.
02. Create a customized Home Décor
WHAT TAM AR A H AS TO SAY: Plan that will help you stay on budget
“It actually took me several years of trial and quickly make buying and decorating
and error to figure out the keys to simplify decisions. This includes knowing the sizes
decorating, but once I figured them out, of what you’ll need, accessories you want to
I’ve been on a mission ever since to make add, color palette, and floor plan.
decorating quick and easy so you can create
a home you love, too.” ~Tamara Harris 03. Measure the space. If you have it
divided into zones, measure each zones
TAK EAWAYS: space. This is helpful when choosing rugs.
01. Shop your home first. Look at your
current pieces with a fresh eye. You may be 04. Choose a color palette. If you are
surprised at what you have on hand that will keeping any of the furniture pieces, use
work in the new space. that as a starting point, choosing additional
colors to coordinate.
02. Check the return policy before you buy,
especially if shopping online.
03. A rug helps ground your room so that

your furniture doesn’t look like it is floating.
04. Use stacked books as a footprint

which allows you to stack other décor items
on top.
05. A tray serves similarly to a rug to

ground the other décor items you are
placing on it.

Decorating Made Easy
tamara harris
N OT ES

Fridge Organization
tania lourenco
SN APSH OT: serving dishes.

Tania shares with us how to organize
our fridge to simplify our lives and make ACT IO N ST EPS:
cooking less stressful. 01. The first step to organizing your
refrigerator is to declutter all food that is
QUI CK TI P: expired or gone bad.
We have to have a motivator to organize
and that is usually to change our lives for 02. Remove everything from the fridge
the better. before you organize. You will realize what
items you purchased with good intentions
WHAT TANI A H AS TO SAY: of eating, but in reality you will not.
“I found that it (organizing) brought me a lot
more joy, a lot more peace, and made my 03. Grab containers you already have in
home a lot happier, and I realized I had to your home to organize. This helps you see
share what I was learning.” ~Tania Lourenco more easily what you have which will save
extra trips to the store because you can’t
TAK EAWAYS: find what you need.
01. Stress is caused when we have more
things than our space will allow. 04. Keep cooked food toward the back as
that is the coldest area of the refrigerator.
02. Notice when your family’s eating
habits change, such as when your kids no
longer eat the same snack foods. We often
buy things out of habit, only to end up
throwing it out because it wasn’t eaten.
03. Don’t immediately run to buy new

organizing containers. Only after you have
decluttered are you able to visualize exactly
what you need.
04. A benefit of an organized fridge is you

will spend less time with the refrigerator
doors open wasting energy.
05. Glass containers are best because

they do not absorb smells like plastics do.
They are oven safe and can also be used as

Fridge Organization
tania lourenco
N OT ES

How to Discover Your Own
Unique Style
tasha agruso
SN APSH OT: 02. Narrow it down to no more than 10

Tasha teaches how to discover your own favorites.
unique style for your home and how to
avoid the comparison trap. She promises 03. Study what they have in common and
it’s so much easier than you think! write them down. For example, do they all
include a certain wall color or same wood
QUI CK TI P: tone?
If your home stresses you out and is not a
place you love, it’s not going to feel restful 04. Avoid labeling your style. Just go with
and relaxing. your gut. If you do it consistently, your
home will have a cohesive style. YOU should
WHAT TASH A HAS TO SAY: love it!
“I worked all the time and I realized very
quickly that my home is where I needed 05. To fully develop a design you’re going
to relax and recharge so I could continue to need to choose a color palate, decide
working and being productive outside of the what fabrics and patterns you want, and
home.” ~Tasha Agruso select furniture, art, and accessories that
are the proper size and scale for your room.
TAK EAWAYS:
06. Create a floor plan on paper before
01. If you can’t embrace your own unique
buying furniture. You don’t want to buy
decorating style, you will never truly love
oversized furniture.
your home the way you should.
02. Avoid comparing your home to what
you see on TV and social media. Strive for
your own style versus mimicking someone
else’s.
03. Look to be inspired. If you find yourself
aspiring to have someone else’s space, that
is when you’re moving into the wrong head
space.
ACT I O N STEP S :
01. Create a Pinterest board for the space
you are wanting to work on. Quickly pin
images you love. Don’t overthink it. Aim for
25 images during “round 1”.

How to Discover Your Own
Unique Style
tasha agruso
N OT ES

How to Create Insta-Worthy
Organization Systems
tasha lorentz
SN APSH OT: 04. Acrylic containers are great for

Tasha walks us through the steps to create anything that can be organized by color.
our own “shelfie”. Never heard of a shelfie? Choose something opaque for items that
It’s a creative, fun term for a shelf that is are just going to be dumped inside that you
organized so beautifully it deserves to have wouldn’t want to see from the outside of
its picture made. the container.

Take a picture of your finished shelves so 01. The first step is planning. This is
that if they get messed up, you’ll know how when you look online and decide what you
to reset them to their original state. want your shelf to look like and shop for
organizing products and shelves.
WHAT TASH A HAS TO SAY:
“I do not live in a perfectly organized space 02. As you’re shopping, loosely sketch to
myself, but I do have shelves in my home scale in the Shelfie Handbook or a piece of
that can easily and quickly be reset to scrap paper what your shelves are going to
totally organized so that I know that I have look like and what’s going to fit onto them.
an organized space to go back to.” ~Tasha
Lorentz 03. After you’ve picked out your shelves,
pick out two styles of organizing containers.
TAK EAWAYS:
01. Pay close attention to measurements 04. Assemble your shelves, pull out your
of products. For example, does the shelf sketch and start putting it all together.
measurement measure from the outside Keep in mind things may not come together
of the shelves or from the inside? That can right away, so you may need to play around
make a difference in how your containers and rearrange a few times.
will fit.
02. It’s okay to overbuy, knowing you can

return what you don’t use. Overbuying will
give you more options to see what will work
best.
03. Look for deep shelves. They will be

able to hold larger organizing containers.
You also want width to help make a grand
statement. This may mean putting two
shelves side by side.

How to Create Insta-Worthy
Organization Systems
tasha lorentz
N OT ES

Free Bible Study Resources
tasha lorentz
SN APSH OT: Wordpoints is his website which publishes

Tasha reviews several free Bible Resources daily devotionals.
that are available to help in your study of
God’s Word. 1 0 M INU T E BIBLE H O U R
PO D CAST
APP I AN MED IA This is an educational YouTube channel and
They produce free Bible videos from the podcast that deals with history, theology,
Bible lands. Their three major series are Christianity and the Bible at a deep-dive
Following the Messiah, Searching for a King level in a relaxed and conversational style.
and Trial and Triumph.
T H E NEX T RIGH T T H ING
BI BLE G AT EWAY PO D CAST
Bible Gateway offers the entire Bible online What matters more than the decisions you
in multiple versions that you can read and make is the person you are becoming ~
reference anywhere you are. Emily P. Freeman
BI BLE H UB GET O RGANIZ ED H Q FAITH KI T

Offers many Bible tools, including This free printable Faith Kit has a Bible
commentaries, concordances and reading tracker to aid in tracking your daily
dictionaries. Bible reading.
ESV.O RG
Read the Bible online.
THE BI BLE P ROJ ECT

They make animated videos of every book of
the Bible, showing an overview of the book.
JUM PSTART DA ILY

Roger Shouse is a long-time preacher who
writes daily devotionals that are inspiring
and thought-provoking.
WORDP O I NTS
Gary Henry has written several daily
devotional books, including Diligently
Seeking God and Reaching Foward.

Free Bible Study Resources
tasha lorentz
N OT ES

7 Mindsets of Household
Management
taylor flanery
SN APSH OT: 03. Strive for things to be better than

Taylor teaches us 7 mindsets for taking care before. A little progress each day eventually
of the basic physical and safety needs of adds up to big results.
those living in our home by implementing
systems and routines. 04. Understand that good enough is good
enough. Once it’s working well, move on to
QUI CK TI P: improve something else that isn’t.
Implementing these mindsets will help
you find systems that work for you without 05. Have a bias toward action. Don’t
excess effort so you can get more done and overthink. Instead, act.
move on to enjoy the rest of your life.
06. Remember your why. It is better to
WHAT TAY LOR HAS TO SAY: appreciate, instead of resent the process.
“Even those who are “born organized” are
not really born that way, but instead they’ve 07. Treat yourself with self-compassion.
learned somehow, how to accomplish these Treat yourself like you would treat someone
tasks, even if they can’t articulate to you else you love.
how they learned or even what their own
systems and routines are.” ~ Taylor Flanery
TAK EAWAYS:
01. Your mindset is important because it
influences how you think, feel, and behave
in any given situation.
02. There will be overlaps between several

of these mindsets, because when they are
combined, they work their true magic.
ACT I O N STEP S :
01. Assume a growth mindset. You are not
a failure. You can learn and improve your
skills in household management with some
effort and practice.
02. Seek progress, not perfection.

Perfect isn’t possible and will likely lead to
overwhelm.

7 Mindsets of Household
Management
taylor flanery
N OT ES

Tips to Keep Your Kitchen Tidy
tracy bowers
SN APSH OT: 02. Only keep things in your kitchen that

Tracy gives us tips and hacks on keeping the you use on a regular basis. You don’t want
center of our home clean, fresh, beautiful, your cabinets to be crammed full. For
and organized. example, keep seasonal dishes stored in
another area of the home when not in use.
QUI CK TI P:
Put your house to bed before you go to bed. 03. Use all your cabinet space, even the
Take those few extra minutes before going high cabinets. Have a step stool accessible
to bed to tidy the house. to be able to reach them.
WHAT T R ACY HAS TO SAY: 04. Bring cabinet shelves down as low as
“Because the kitchen is the center of the you can so you can easily grab things.
home, you want to make sure your kitchen
is a desirable, beautiful, clean space that 05. Keep a “trash” bowl nearby when you
everyone wants to feel good in.” ~Tracy are prepping food. It will save you from
Bowers going back and forth to the trash can.
06. Make sure everything has a home in

TAK EAWAYS:
your kitchen.
01. Investing in good products and tools
will make tidying the kitchen so much
easier. A few suggestions are dishwashing
gloves and a good dense cleaning cloth.
02. Home Depot or similar stores can cut

extra cabinet shelves for you. They may not
match perfectly, but you will be so glad you
have them.
03. Don’t keep items just because they

came in a set. If you won’t use them, get rid
of them.
ACT I O N STEP S :
01. Keep your cleaning cloth rinsed and
hang to dry. Magnetic hooks on the side of
the refrigerator allow them to air dry and
make them convenient to grab for cleaning
up messes.

Tips to Keep Your Kitchen Tidy
tracy bowers
N OT ES

Beginning and Ending Your
Day Strong
wendy alcime

Wendy shares why she believes in solid 01. Start with your why. Make sure your
morning and evening routines, how to start why is strong enough to overcome the
them, and some important must haves. temptations that will try to keep you from
following through.
QUI CK TI P:
A solid evening routine leads to a solid 02. Find your pain-points, or stressors.
morning routine. Prep as much as possible Take the time to examine what you’re doing
the night before and go to bed early enough to see what you can do better. Maybe you
to get a full night’s sleep. need to wake up before the kids in the
morning to have a few minutes to yourself.
WHAT W ENDY H AS TO SAY:
“For me, productivity, morning and evening 03. Figure out a system that works for
routines, is all about finding peacefully you. Start with one small change and work
present moments. It’s all about establishing toward bite size steps toward your goal. It
systems in order to find peace amidst the will take some trial and error to see what
chaos.” ~Wendy Alcime works.
TAK EAWAYS: 04. Feed your spirit. Spending time in

01. A solid morning and evening routine the Word in the morning helps you feel
is how you maximize your day. You get centered and refreshes the soul.
a feeling of more control over your day
leading to less stress.
02. Solid routines improve relationships.

With a morning routine, you have time to
“fill your cup” before you face the rest of the
day. They also can give you more time with
your loved ones.
03. Evening routines allow you to relax. If

we are more intentional about our evening
routine, we get time to de-stress to get a
good night’s sleep, which allows us to feel
better the next day.

Beginning and Ending Your
Day Strong
wendy alcime
N OT ES


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2021

C H E AT S H E ETS & NOT E S PAGE S

SN APSH OT: ACT IO N ST EPS:

QUI CK TI P: 02. Use magazine holders to store paper.

02. Colorful photo boxes are great storage

03. Rolling carts work well for small spaces

04. Binders with zipper pouches are